Govt's indigenous art response slammed

Aboriginal Art Directory | 12.08.08

Many are unhappy with the government's response to the senate inquiry:

“Arts Minister Peter Garrett seems driven by cost-cutting imperatives, not the needs of some of Australia's most talented but vulnerable artists,” Dr Stone said.

The Arts Law Centre of Australia said the government had missed a great opportunity to address the gaping holes in protection for indigenous artists.

Executive Director Robyn Ayres said the government should have strengthened intellectual property laws for indigenous artists, as recommended by the inquiry.

“Australia's intellectual property laws are about protection for the individual artist rather than the community, so indigenous communities, whose stories or symbols are depicted in the paintings, still have no rights,” Ms Ayres said.

URL: http://www.thewest.com.au/default.aspx?MenuID=182&ContentID=90137

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