Desart is the Association of Central Australian Aboriginal
Art and Craft Centres.
Desart’s commitment
- Respect for traditional culture and Aboriginal peoples' aspirations
- Employment for Aboriginal people
- Support for sound governance, professional standards and ethical industry practices
- Marketing and advocacy for Aboriginal owned Art Centres
Desart represents Art Centres which support these objectives:
- Authenticity of artworks
- Maximum returns to Aboriginal people and their organisations
- Promotion of professional art practice and ethical dealings with artists
Desart’s mission
Aboriginal artists are committed to sharing their culture with the world. Our mission is to support Central Australian Aboriginal artists and Art Centres working together in a vigorous, ethical Aboriginal arts industry.
Desart’s goals
Help and support for Art Centres
To empower Art Centres through the provision of resources and support to artists and staff
More jobs for Aboriginal people
To increase the employment of Aboriginal artists and arts workers in the industry
Selling more Art
To develop new markets and showcase Central Australian Aboriginal art
Showing people how to be fair when they buy art and when they sell art
To contribute to an informed Aboriginal Art Industry based on ethical practices. Desart is working to encourage the implementation of the new Indigenous Visual Arts Commercial Code of Conduct across the industry.
Speaking up strong for Art Centres
To represent the voice of Aboriginal Art Centres and their artists and advocate effectively.
Desart’s values
Desart is about everybody. We want everyone to know what is happening. We welcome many cultures, languages and stories. Everyone can have their say and everyone is treated with respect.
Desart’s members
Members of Desart are independent, Aboriginal-owned, separately incorporated Art Centres or other Art Centres, which are activities of larger Aboriginal-owned organisations. Some member Art Centres, previously activities of community councils, are now operating under the management of NT Shires.
Programs and services
Desart’s current programs include:
- Aboriginal Artworkers' program
- Governance & HR Support
- IT technical support
- Professional development workshops
- Art Centre recruitment
- Induction Road Trips for new managers (North West and APY / Ngaanyatjarra Lands)
- NT Art Centre Infrastructure Program
- Member Service Register
- Wills workshops (in partnership with Arts Law)
- Photography and Digital Imaging Training
In addition Desart provides a range of other services:
- Artists’ camps and regional meetings
- On & off site support for individual Art Centres
- Support with new Art Centre start ups
- Market development (Desert Mob & international market development initiatives)
- Advocacy (e.g. The Code of Conduct, policy development, additional funding sources etc.)
- Support for Art Centres to participate in art markets in Alice Springs (including Desert Mob MarketPlace)
- Production of quarterly newsletter for artists