Creative Australia | First Nations Arts: Protocols for using First Nations cultural and intellectual property in the arts.

Creative Australia is deeply committed to supporting First Nations self-determination, cultural authority and leadership.

First published in 2002 and revised in 2007 by Dr Terri Janke and Company, the principles and protocols contained in this guide endorse the rights of First Nations people to their cultural heritage and support First Nations creative practice.

These protocols encourage self-determination and help to build a strong and diverse First Nations arts sector, which are key goals and priority areas of Creative Australia.

While works by individual artists are protected by copyright, Australia does not yet have a law that prevents alteration, distortion or misuse of traditional symbols, songs, dances, performances and story that may be part of the heritage of particular Indigenous language groups. This is where Creative Australia’s Protocols for using First Nations Intellectual and Cultural Property in the Arts comes in. The protocols provide a pathway for collaborations and creation of new Indigenous work.
Dr Terri Janke