The Indigenous Art Code in Australia has expelled the APY Art Centre Collective, which is currently facing allegations for allowing discrimation.
The Indigenous Art Code (Iartc) is an organization that regulates all matters related to the art of/from/about the ingienous communities in Australia. The Code of Conduct, launched in 2009, serves as a ethical framework between artists and dealers. The Iartc announced their decision after an investigation into the matter – ordered by the National Gallery of Australia – revealed their findings. According to the report, APY ACC not only had full information of white staff workers painting over the works by indigenous artists, but the collective even allowed them.
Speaking to ABC Australia, Iartc explained their decision: “In making a decision to terminate APY ACC’s membership, the directors of IartC acted in accordance with the procedure set out in IartC’s Constitution.” Iartc also rejected the claims by APY ACC and affirmed that the complete due process was followed in arriving at this decision.
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The story of this drama started with the National Gallery of Australia’s announcement of “Ngura Phulka – Epic Country” – an exhibition dedicated entirely to artists from the APY region. It was the first major exhibition in Australia about indigenous artists. However, in April, news first broke that the paintigns by indigenous artists might have been painted over by white staff members. As the issue became bigger, the museum ordered a committee to investigate the issue. Eventually, the museum cancelled the exhibition, which was scheduled to open on June 27.
