Reconciliation Australia Conference – Meanjin, Brisbane 2024
By Jo-Anne Driessens, Artist in the Black Coordinator
Reconciliation Australia hosted its 2024 National conference in Brisbane on 6 – 7 November. The theme, ‘Now More Than Ever’ encompassed many relevant and necessary conversations.
Arts Law has been on its own Reconciliation Action Plan journey since the inception of our 2019 – 2020 “Innovate RAP” and we are embarking on the next phase of our RAP process. Reconciliation Australia has conditionally endorsed our “Stretch RAP” for 2024-2027. We will be the first community legal centre to achieve that goal.
As Arts Law’s Artists in the Black Coordinator, I was invited to speak alongside Dr Terri Janke in a panel discussion ‘Understanding Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) protocols in your own organisation’s work’. In line with the theme ‘Now More than Ever’ the purpose of the session was to highlight the importance of free, prior and informed consent when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and community. RAPs are a key of example of Indigenous and non-Indigenous companies engaging with ICIP. We discussed how best to respectfully apply ICIP principles and protocols when commissioning artwork that is embedded with cultural stories, knowledge and language. The session was eloquently chaired by Danielle Ah Boo, Head of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Unit, Screen Queensland and with her calming and grounded manner, the session felt more like a chat in her living room.
The session was booked out, with approximately 100 Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, including my colleague Roxanne Lorenz, Principal Solicitor. After the panel discussion the attendees formed breakout groups to discuss how each individual understands and deals with identifying any ICIP gaps within their place of work. Led by Dr Terri Janke, the room was able to share and compare the different examples when applying effective ICIP principles and how better to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, communities and businesses.
Given the recent impact of the cessation of the Queensland’s Truth-Telling and Healing inquiry, Arts Law would like to thank Reconciliation Australia for providing the platform to discuss ‘Understanding Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property protocols in your own organisation’s work’ as timely and essential. Gauging from the interest of a booked-out session, it was clear that everyone was there to learn and understand how to improve their ways of working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, communities and businesses, ensuring the relationships will be legitimate and long-term .
The advocacy work for protecting cultural knowledge is a long road for all involved, however with the true spirit of reconciliation, we can all learn that centering and respecting the artists or communities work will benefit all. With Arts Law in its 40th year, the organization will continue to support and advocate for artists in this space and in particular the protection of ICIP in all creative forms.
Find out more:
Queensland Truth-Telling and Healing Inquiry – Reconciliation Australia
Winners Announced: Indigenous Governance Awards 2024 – Reconciliation Australia
Or follow these hashtags on social media and join the conversation:
#RAPConference2024
#NowMoreThanEver
#IGA2024
