To draw attention to these everyday artists, be they working in art centres or, like Saretta, with galleries and dealers, the Indigenous Art Code is launching a national campaign next week, "Our Art Is Our Lifeline", to encourage people to buy Indigenous art and to inform them about the most ethical means of doing so.’

The Indigenous Art Code helps protect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists by getting sellers of their art to commit to treating artists fairly, transparently and respectfully. Where problems arise with both dealer and non-dealer members of the Indigenous Art Code we support artists to exercise agency, to make sure they get a fair go within the industry. We encourage artists, the general public and industry to bring reports of breaches of the Code to us.

Visit www.indigenousartcode.org for more info.

#ourartisourlifeline is a campaign by the Indigenous Art Code to highlight Indigenous artists during the COVID-19 crisis. 

ABC Radio National

Excited to be interviewed on ABC Radio National with Fran Kelly regarding the Indigenous Art Code new #OurArtIsOurLifeline campaign. Click to hear the full interview

Looking to buy Indigenous art? Here's how to purchase it fairly and transparently

She also recommends more Indigenous artists using a website or social media account to sell their work.

As a buyer looking to purchase art off social media, Ms Fielding says it's good to get in contact with the artist directly — if you can.

She also suggests looking locally for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.

Ms Fielding said Indigenous artists will be happy to answer questions about where they're from, where their community is, and explain what the symbols and motifs in their art mean.

Ms Fielding says she always includes that information with her artwork.

"It's about sharing culture, not just here's a painting."

And if you want to purchase from a gallery, Mr Johnstone said most will work side-by-side with art centres.

He said it's the role of the gallery to "support the artist's career and build their profile for the future."

Mr Johnstone said it's up to gallerists to liaise with Indigenous communities about how much information they want to share so they can pass that on to buyers