The Australian Indigenous Art Trade Association (Art.Trade) is the national organisation for persons and organisations experienced in the business of indigenous art. The Association was established in 1998. These are the questions the Association suggests asking when purchasing indigenous art, whether a painting or limited edition print:
Authenticity
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Is the art work authentic (made by the person stated as the artist)?
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Is it properly documented (such as by a certificate of authenticity from a reputable source, photographs or other evidence)?
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What is the history (provenance) of the work? Where and when was it made? How has it come onto the market?
Integrity
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Does the art work come from a reputable source?
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If buying direct from the artist, are you paying a fair price for the work?
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If buying from a gallery or dealer, are they a member of the Australian Indigenous Art Trade Association or the Australian Commercial Galleries Association?
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Does the business have a code of conduct for its operation and its dealings with artists?
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Does it subscribe to the ethics of a professional organisation (such as the Art.Trade Code of Ethics) or the new Australian Indigenous Art Commercial Code of Conduct?
Value
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What is the reputation or profile of the artist?
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How does the art work compare in quality with other works by the same artist?
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Would it be possible to re-sell the art work, either with the current seller or at auction?
Questions to ask when buying Aboriginal indigenous art
Roebourne Art Group artist and Ngarluma elder Violet Samson at work.