Indigenous art forms in Melbourne
Artists from different Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities around Australia produce work that may be recognisable as Indigenous.
The range of styles and subject matters used in Indigenous art are diverse, reflecting a vast range of lifestyles, landscapes, cultural experiences and beliefs.
Indigenous art sold in Melbourne may be produced locally, but it may come from anywhere within Australia.
Buying Indigenous art
Galleries and shops that adhere to the City of Melbourne’s ‘Code of practice for galleries and retailers of Indigenous art’ have agreed to ensure Indigenous artists receive fair payment for their work.
Purchasing from these shops helps protect the future of Indigenous arts practice in Melbourne and around Australia, and helps ensure the ethical treatment of Indigenous artists.
Buyer's checklist
Use the Buyer's checklist to help ensure you are buying Indigenous art that is produced and sold in an ethical manner.
These galleries and shops sell ethically produced Indigenous art:
Yarramunua’s unique paintings are sought after by the both Australian and overseas visitors. His indigenous art, didgeridoo playing and story telling, captivates many people both within Australia and around the world. |
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The City Gallery presents a free, annual program of exhibitions that draw on the City of Melbourne’s extensive art and heritage collection. Devised by specialist curators, each show explores aspects of the city’s cultural, historical and artistic life. |
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The Craft shop showcases the best of Australian contemporary craft and design: exceptional art objects and limited edition ceramics, textiles, jewellery and glass made by emerging and established designer/makers. |
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DACOU Gallery Melbourne is an Aboriginal family owned art gallery. One of Australia's leading Aboriginal galleries, DACOU is the acronym for Dreaming Art Centre Of Utopia. It was founded by Utopia community member Fred Torres in 1993. |
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Flinders Lane Gallery continues to focus on encouraging the development of contemporary Australian artists. We’ve been at the centre of defining trends in contemporary Australian art since 1989. We represent both emerging and mid career artists. |
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The Potter is a university art museum of international standing. We present an innovative curated exhibition program and house the University of Melbourne’s significant collection of artworks and cultural artefacts. |
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Koorie Connections 'Altair' is a shop at the Queen Victoria Market that sells authentic Aboriginal products including artwork, pottery, books, clothing and didgeridoos.
All products sold are 100% Australian made with no imported stock available. |
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Fast-becoming a cultural icon for Melbourne, the Koorie Heritage Trust Cultural Centre hosts more than 20,000 artefacts, books, artworks and photographs, an interactive sound and visual permanent exhibition tracing the history of the Koorie people from... |
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Melbourne Museum explores life in Victoria, from our natural environment to our culture and history. |
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NGV International is Australia’s oldest and pre-eminent public art museum featuring blockbuster exhibitions and one of the world’s finest art collections. |
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The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia was the first public art museum dedicated to Australian art. |
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