Aboriginal Visual Arts Industry Feasibility and Business Case ? Research Global Art Market Development Plan

A collective of Regional Development Commissions (RDCs) led by the Pilbara Development Commission secured funding to deliver a statewide feasibility into the commercial growth of the Aboriginal visual arts industry in Western Australia. The feasibility will deliver an industry-led analysis of sector infrastructure and workforce resourcing, in addition to national and international market research. The feasibility will result in a business case aimed at evidencing the future investment by government and industry to grow and diversify the commercial capacity of the Aboriginal visual arts industry in Western Australia. This project has been informed through long term engagement by RDCs with Aboriginal art centres across Western Australia, who have expressed the need for critical infrastructure upgrades, sustainable workforce development and resourcing as key areas of priority. The feasibility will engage directly with art centres, independent artists, peak bodies, government, and industry as it navigates significant changes triggered by COVID-19 and the opportunities to capitalise on the growing demand nationally and internationally for Aboriginal art and product. Produce an international market development plan detailing the trajectory of Western Australian Aboriginal art and design product within the global art market. This comprehensive analysis should span both physical and digital platforms, placing a strong emphasis on cultivating a lasting international market presence. Integrate an investment approach tailored to bolster and optimise export opportunities and the investment required by government and industry to sustain market presence long term. The plan should go beyond the surface examination and delve into the economic impact of Aboriginal art on the global art market, to quantify the commercial potential. Market research should include an in-depth analysis of market trends and consumer behaviours, including the study of consumer demographics and preferences, providing insights to inform effective marketing strategies. The primary objective of the research is to proactively mitigate and minimise potential risks associated with international market engagement by the Aboriginal visual arts industry and inform and evidence investment strategies by government and industry to support both independent artists and art centres to directly engage with international markets.