In the Media: SBS Feature on Buying Ethical Indigenous Art

April 13, 2026

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Written by Saretta Fielding

Featuring Saretta Fielding on Authentic Aboriginal Art & Cultural Integrity

Saretta Art & Design is proud to be featured in a recent SBS Audio segment discussing how to buy ethical Indigenous art in Australia, and why authenticity matters more than ever in today’s market.

👉 Listen to the full feature here:
https://www.sbs.com.au/language/english/en/podcast-episode/buy-ethical-indigenous-art-and-craft/ut174i395

The importance of buying authentic Aboriginal art

As interest in Aboriginal art and Indigenous design continues to grow across Australia and internationally, so too does the risk of inauthentic products entering the market.

According to SBS, a significant portion of Indigenous-style souvenirs sold in Australia are not created by Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander artists. This raises serious concerns around cultural appropriation, artist exploitation, and loss of cultural integrity.

For artists like Saretta Fielding, a Wonaruah artist and founder of Saretta Art & Design, this issue goes beyond art, it’s about protecting culture.

“Buying Indigenous art is not just a purchase, it’s an ethical and cultural journey.”

What is ethical Indigenous art?

Ethical Indigenous art refers to artwork that is:

Created by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists
Connected to Country, culture, and community
Sold with proper attribution, permission, and fair payment

Authentic Aboriginal artworks carry deep cultural meaning, storytelling, and knowledge that cannot be separated from the artist.

Understanding this helps buyers make informed decisions and ensures they are supporting real Indigenous artists and communities.

How to buy Aboriginal art ethically: 3 key tips

In the SBS feature, Saretta shares practical advice for anyone looking to purchase authentic Aboriginal art in Australia.

1. Verify authenticity

Always check who the artist is and where the artwork comes from.
Look for a Certificate of Authenticity, especially for artworks over $250.

2. Choose ethical suppliers

Buy from reputable galleries, Indigenous-owned businesses, or brands that work directly with artists through transparent agreements.

3. Ask questions

Don’t be afraid to ask:

Who created this artwork?
What is their cultural background?
How are they being paid?

These questions help ensure the artwork is genuine and ethically sourced.

Supporting Indigenous artists and communities

Choosing ethical Aboriginal art means directly supporting:

Indigenous artists and their livelihoods
Cultural preservation and storytelling
Community connection and economic sustainability

When you invest in authentic Indigenous art, you are contributing to a stronger future for First Nations culture and creative industries.

Saretta Art & Design: Authentic Aboriginal art with purpose

Founded by award-winning Aboriginal artist Saretta Fielding, Saretta Art & Design creates contemporary Indigenous artworks, fashion, and design grounded in cultural storytelling and community collaboration.

From fine art and public artworks to ethical fashion and homewares, every piece reflects a commitment to: