First published in 2002 and revised in 2007, this is the third edition of the Australia Council for the Arts First Nations Protocols, written and prepared by Terri Janke and Company.

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These protocols are for creative practitioners working with Indigenous artists or Indigenous cultural heritage in their creative projects. Those being funded by the Australia Council grant assessment panels are required to comply with the protocols.

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Solicitor Director Dr Terri Janke says,

 

“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 the Australia Council for the Arts’ 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.”

 

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