Ethical Sourcing & Fair Trade Policy
At Mbantua Gallery, we believe every artwork tells a story - a story of Country, culture, family and connection. We are committed to ensuring that the Aboriginal artworks we represent are sourced ethically and that the artists who create them are respected, supported, and fairly recognised for their work.
Since opening our doors in 1987, Mbantua Gallery has built strong, long-standing relationships with artists and their families from the Utopia region of Central Australia. These relationships are built on trust, respect and a shared commitment to preserving and celebrating Aboriginal art and culture.
Supporting Aboriginal Artists
At Mbantua Gallery, we are committed to supporting Aboriginal artists by providing the materials they need to create their artworks, including canvas or linen, paints, brushes, and other essential supplies. Once an artwork is completed, Mbantua Gallery purchases the finished painting directly from the artist, providing payment upfront for their completed work.
We also adhere to all Australian legal requirements regarding the resale of Aboriginal artworks. Under the Resale Royalty Scheme, a royalty payment is made to the artist when eligible artworks are resold for $1,000 or more. Mbantua Gallery ensures these obligations are met, helping to support artists and recognise the ongoing value of their creative work.
By purchasing an artwork through Mbantua Gallery, collectors are supporting Aboriginal artists and contributing to the continuation of a living art tradition that connects generations of artists with their Country, culture, and stories.
Authentic Aboriginal Art
Authenticity is at the heart of everything we do. We take great care to represent genuine Aboriginal artworks created by the artists themselves, ensuring that each painting is accompanied by appropriate documentation, including a Certificate of Authenticity where applicable.
We do not support the reproduction or sale of unauthorised copies of Aboriginal artworks. Every painting we offer is an original piece with its own unique story, created by an artist with a cultural connection to the work.
Respect for Culture and Stories
Aboriginal artworks are more than decorative pieces - they are expressions of cultural knowledge, personal experiences and connection to Country. We respect the importance of these stories and work closely with artists and communities to ensure their artworks are represented appropriately and respectfully.
We are committed to sharing information about artists and their works in a way that honours their cultural significance while allowing collectors to appreciate the beauty and meaning behind each piece.
Fair Trade Principles
Our approach reflects the principles of fair trade by focusing on:
- Fair and timely payment to artists.
- Building long-term relationships with Aboriginal artists and communities.
- Supporting artists' ongoing creative practices.
- Providing transparency and authenticity for collectors.
- Respecting Aboriginal culture, stories and intellectual property.
Our Responsibility as a Gallery
As a family-owned gallery based in Alice Springs, we recognise our responsibility to protect the integrity of Aboriginal art and ensure artists benefit from the sale of their work. We are proud to represent artists from the Utopia region and to share their incredible stories with collectors around the world.
When you purchase from Mbantua Gallery, you are not only purchasing a beautiful artwork - you are supporting Aboriginal artists, preserving cultural traditions and contributing to the continuation of one of the world's oldest living art movements.