Funds for Aboriginal art 'not a handout' Ashleigh Wilson December 08, 2006 THE nation's multi-million-dollar Aboriginal art industry will suffer unless remote indigenous communities, including those judged to be unviable, receive government support. In a submission to a Senate inquiry into Aboriginal art, the Northern Territory Government says financial, cultural and artistic concerns are all linked to the future of the industry.
"The sector is closely tied to the range of current and future challenges and forces operating across all Aboriginal communities," the submission says. "The health and viability of those communities will have an inevitable effect on the arts sector."
The claims contrast with comments by federal Indigenous Affairs Minister Mal Brough, who this week outlined his vision on how to manage Aboriginal issues. While detailing plans for greater economic opportunities, Mr Brough said essential services would not be provided for Aboriginal people who chose to move "beyond the reach" of education and health services.
The Territory Government told the Senate inquiry, established after The Australian highlighted claims of unscrupulous conduct in indigenous art, that the high proportion of Aboriginal artists living in remote areas created "significant policy implications".
It says government support for Aboriginal art should be seen as a "rational and sensible" investment, not a handout.
