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Aboriginal art enterprises must overcome the challenge of changing demographics, according to speakers at an Indigenous business conference at The University of Western Australia yesterday.

Tim Acker, Principal Research Leader Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Economies Project, Cooperative Research Centre for Remote Economic Participation, told conference delegates that in addition to the traditional challenges of isolation and finance, Aboriginal art enterprises now face cultural challenges.

Younger Indigenous demographics and the loss of the first contact generation, are diminishing and threatening the diversity of culture in Indigenous communities.

"Aboriginal artists talk about art as a declaration of identity, place, family," Mr Acker said.  "Aboriginal artists bring to their art the full weight of their cultural universe."

"Cultural well-being is a core business, not an optional add-on... A direct consequence of less cultural diversity is reduced commercial appeal."

Mr Acker said that Aboriginal art enterprises also faced threats from the global financial crisis and the associated reduction in consumer demand, in addition to the growing prevalence of e-commerce.

He said that because of their cultural significance, Aboriginal art enterprises could contribute to the well-being of individuals and their communities.

There are currently more than 100 Indigenous art enterprises across Australia.

The Centre for Social Impact (UWA) is a joint venture between The University of Western Australia's Business School and the national Centre for Social Impact .

The Indigenous Business, Corporations and Entrepreneurship Conference is the Centre for Social Impact (UWA)'s inaugural conference.

Media references

Sonia Nolan , Community Engagement and  (+61 8)  6488 8562  /  (+61 4) 01 034 103
Corporate Affairs Manager, Centre for Social Impact
Michael Sinclair-Jones (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8)  6488 3229  /  (+61 4) 00 700 783