Artists in the Black heads to the Centre

In June, Arts Law solicitors Donna Robinson and Roxanne Lorenz, together with Carmel Young, Acting Program Manager at Desart, travelled to the Ikunji Art Centre at Haasts Bluff, 250km west of Alice Springs.

While they were there they developed wills for many of the artists and advised on estate issues. This was facilitated by Christian Koch, Ikunji Art Centre Studio Manager, whose assistance and support proved invaluable. The group also met with Chrischona Schmidt, Art Centre Manager, to discuss the varied legal needs of the Art Centre.

While in Alice Springs they also took the opportunity to visit the Tangentyere Arts Aboriginal Art Centre and meet with Ruth McMillan of the Tangentyere Artists and Sophie Wallace of the Yarrenyty Arltere Artists. There they were able to offer advice on copyright licensing issues and agreements.

The Artists in the Black service is part of the Arts Law program to provide legal advice, support and education to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists throughout Australia and often involves Arts Law visiting remote areas as part of its Outreach program. Donna Robinson explained the importance of the Outreach program, saying “trips such as this afford the opportunity to build relationships and encourage the art centres to seek assistance from Arts Law whenever they have any legal questions.”

This latest trip was a great opportunity to visit more Art Centres and to ensure that the artists and Art Centre managers have access to high quality legal services and support.