Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Provenance Project

Supported by the philanthropic organisation, Oranges and Sardines Foundation, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Provenance Project is a review of the provenance of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art collection.

The project aims to examine the collection for evidence of unethical or illegal practices in the creation and trade of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. In addition to pursuing authenticity, this project seeks to strengthen the knowledge of our collection by updating artist attributions, vendors, and database records.

Researching and documenting works of art in the collection and those proposed for acquisition and loan, this project seeks to clarify chain of ownership, proper and fit title, and ethical suitability for the national collection. Any identified issues are examined through the lens of the National Gallery’s Due Diligence and Provenance Policy, Ethics Framework and Deaccessioning Policy.

Ongoing research into the origins and ownership histories of works of art in our collection can viewed in Search the Collection.

Do you have information about works of art in the national collection? Email provenance@nga.gov.au.