Many years back native art was considered a curiosity and whimsical but in recent times it has become a major force as the public now realises that it is not about the art itself but rather the origins, stories, myths and beliefs behind it. The secret knowledge of the ancient peoples is being unlocked in their art.



In many cases the artist is responsible to cultural obligations and care for others, so a large part of the community is dependent on them.

Unscrupulous dealers who target these artists, often elderly and definitely poor, offering a quick dollar are responsible for a dramatic increase in the volume of the art on the market. Sometimes production lines are set up thus producing work of varying quality to be sold at greatly inflated prices to tourists and unsuspecting buyers.

Not all artists want to be involved in this and many choose not to but the economic circumstances usually prevail resulting in a major benefit for a few at the cost of the artists and their community. Improving the living standards of native and aboriginal people will not have much affect by just paying for their art. The best solution is for them to take control of the situation and involve all aspects of the process besides just the making of art, including marketing, distribution and education of it.

Taking control is not easy in poor communities but it can be done. I know of one lady in Africa who goes to a local internet room when she can afford it and is building a successful business.

How does a buyer know what they are getting? This can be difficult but they need to educate themselves and research the prospective situation. But this can also have its pitfalls, so the best solution seems to be that the artists themselves should provide the information and education necessary.

How would they do this? The public needs access to this information. One solution is put it on the web, there is different ways to do this, but the artist does not have a complete support program this can be confusing and complicated as well as extremely expensive.

Place the art with a store with online presence that actively promotes native art. Use galleries that are reputable. Make a store and market it; Expensive? Advertise locally and nationwide. Ask the local papers to do press releases and stories.

But most of these are just for the selling, what is needed is a process that once it is set up it will last a lifetime with a little updating to ensure the future of their art and livelihood. Although this directed at native artists many artists of every background are in similar circumstances.

The best solution would be to use companies that supply all the services and assistance necessary to help you take control of all aspects of their art without escalating costs. But is this possible.