Celebrating Protecting Indigenous Art by Colin Golvan AM KC
On Thursday 20th March 2025 Wrays hosted an event in celebration of the publication of Protecting Indigenous Art, a groundbreaking work by IP and Trade Practices Barrister., Colin Golvan AM KC. Held at Melbourne’s prestigious Indigenous art gallery D’Lan Contemporary, the event brought together art enthusiasts, legal professionals, cultural leaders, and Indigenous advocates for a discussion that explored the intricate and often overlooked intersections of law, culture, and art.
The book itself, authored by Golvan, addresses the protection and preservation of Indigenous art in a rapidly changing global art market, offering critical insights into how legal frameworks can and should protect the rights of Indigenous artists and their communities.
The event featured an insightful discussion with Colin Golvan himself, alongside Edwina Lewis, Director of Policy and International Affairs at IP Australia. The two distinguished speakers expertly navigated the complexities of Indigenous cultural values, particularly the concept of community, and how these values contrast with the Western notion of individual ownership, especially in relation to art.
One of the key themes explored throughout the evening was the fundamental difference between how Indigenous and Western societies view ownership of artwork. Indigenous cultures often understand art as an extension of communal identity, deeply connected to the land, ancestors, and collective heritage. Art is viewed not as an individual commodity, but as something that belongs to the community, playing a role in preserving cultural stories and traditions for future generations. This sense of community ownership, however, is often in direct conflict with the Western art world’s emphasis on individual ownership, exclusivity, and profit-driven motives.
The evening was not only a celebration of the publication itself but also a profound opportunity for attendees to reflect on the broader implications of cultural preservation in the face of globalisation and market-driven forces. The event provided a platform for dialogue on how legal protections can respect and preserve Indigenous cultural traditions while adapting to the realities of a modern, interconnected world.
The conversation served as a timely reminder of the importance of cultural heritage and the role that legal professionals, policymakers, and artists play in safeguarding the richness and diversity of Indigenous art.
For further information
For further information about the protection of Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property, please contact Wrays Senior Associate Bindhu.Holavanahalli@wrays.com.au.
Recent articles on a similar topics can be viewed here:
Empowering First Nations – Wrays IP
