AGHA celebrates NAIDOC Week by highlighting a selection of members who are also members of the Indigenous Art Code or Aboriginal Art Association of Australia – two bodies that ensure Indigenous artists are represented and compensated fairly.
Australia’s Indigenous art has captivated audiences both at home and overseas, yet sourcing authentic art that truly benefits the artists can be challenging. To address this, we highlight a selection of AGHA members who are also members of the Indigenous Art Code or Aboriginal Art Association of Australia – two bodies that ensure Indigenous artists are represented and compensated fairly. DREAMTIMEZ, an ethical Indigenous art brand located on Kaurna Country in South Australia, is dedicated to establishing sustainable income streams for Indigenous artists through royalties paid for each product sold under an Arts Law Contract.

Driven by a deep appreciation for Aboriginal art and culture, DREAMTIMEZ collaborates with artists to create exquisite products from their original artworks. They offer retailers a diverse range of premium home, fashion & gift items, including double-sided printed silk scarves, silk ties, Multibandz, tote bags, printed artwork, vases, kitchenware, cushion covers, stationery and more.

Their products have already gained recognition with their silk ties worn by Mark Coles Smith at the NAIDOC Awards 2023 and by presenters on Channel 10’s The Project as well as being available in airports across Australia. As proud members of the Indigenous Art Code and The Circle First Nations Entrepreneur Hub, DREAMTIMEZ is committed to supporting Indigenous artists and will feature artist Rhubee Neale from Adelaide creating her artwork at stand 1244.

The Ashdene Brand at Ladelle Group has long supported Australian Indigenous artists by featuring their extraordinary artwork on various home products, including mugs, placemats, tea towels, and drink bottles. Each artist brings a unique style, focus, and narrative to their work, which is reflected on the packaging whenever possible to share the story and meaning behind the art.

From airports and souvenir shops to contemporary homeware and fashion stores, the Ashdene brand at Ladelle Group strives to make Indigenous art accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Both Ashdene and the Indigenous artists adhere to the Indigenous Art Code, ensuring ethical practices and fair compensation, with artists earning a portion of the sales. Their vision is aimed at preserving fair and ethical trade and sharing Indigenous heritage through traditional stories passed on in art.

This season, Ashdene is introducing Megan Corby, an emerging Noongar artist from Bunbury, WA, with her collection Koort Boodja (Heart Country). Other featured artists include Melissa Spillman (Woods) of Maarakool Art, whose heritage is from Gnowangerup, Goreng Country in South West WA, and Keturah Zimran from the Ikuntji Artists Corporation in NT. Ladelle’s exceptional ranges will be at stands 100 and 200 at the AGHA Melbourne Gift Fair 2024.

Mo Resin jewellery at stand AM5 in the Australian Made Pavilion is a family business run by Olivier, Sandrine and their children. Each eye-catching piece of jewellery is unique and created with an intricate process where the design is added onto gold or silver leaf and then melted into epoxy resin. Since 2013, Mo Resin have been honoured to work with Indigenous artists who receive royalties for their craft. They work under licence with Warlukurlangu Art Center and also partner with independent First Nations artists from all over Australia including Kerry Madawyn McCarthy.

Mo Resin believes that the unique process of inserting precious metal leaf enhances the spirit and vibrancy of Indigenous paintings and transforms them into beautiful wearable pieces of jewellery, a stunning opportunity to spread Australian Indigenous Culture. These wearable jewellery pieces are exquisite and can be seen at stand AM5, 3-6 August 2024.

In the vibrant landscape of the gift and homeware industry, Indigenous artists play an essential role in bringing First Nations culture and art to the forefront as epitomised by Kangaroo Gifts. Established in 1958, Kangaroo Gifts is accredited by the Indigenous Art Code and commitment to fairly compensating their artists. They employ talented young Indigenous artists to tell their stories of spiritual connections with elders, family, and the land in a youthful and contemporary style.

The authentic artwork is combined with natural and recycled fibres and handcrafted leather using palettes of vibrant colours and textures. Each item is a work of art characterised by genuine quality and individual craftsmanship and attention to detail. At Kangaroo Gifts, supporting Indigenous artists and showcasing Australia’s rich Indigenous culture will remain a cornerstone of their business as they move forward. Visit them at stand 1128 at the AGHA Melbourne Gift Fair.

Explore these brands and many more at AGHA Melbourne Gift Fair 3-6 August 2024.