12.1 The commercialization of Indigenous art

Indigenous art commercialization began in the late 19th century as settlers collected artifacts. Tourism and trading posts increased demand for souvenirs. Government policies aimed to promote and regulate Indigenous art sales.

Indigenous-owned galleries emerged mid-20th century, giving artists more control. The global art market's growing interest since the 1980s brought opportunities. Artists now navigate commercial pressures while maintaining cultural integrity.

Commercialization of Indigenous Art

Historical Context

Top images from around the web for Historical Context

• 

  File:Columbia Plateau Native Americans on horses 1908 Benjamin Gifford.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Native American trade - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Frederick William Woodhouse - The first settlers discover Buckley, 1861.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Columbia Plateau Native Americans on horses 1908 Benjamin Gifford.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Native American trade - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Historical Context

• 

  File:Columbia Plateau Native Americans on horses 1908 Benjamin Gifford.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Native American trade - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Frederick William Woodhouse - The first settlers discover Buckley, 1861.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Columbia Plateau Native Americans on horses 1908 Benjamin Gifford.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Native American trade - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• The commercialization of Indigenous art began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as European settlers and anthropologists started collecting and trading Indigenous artifacts
• The rise of tourism and the establishment of trading posts near Indigenous communities further fueled the demand for Indigenous art as souvenirs and collectibles (baskets, pottery, textiles)
• Government policies aimed to promote and regulate the production and sale of Indigenous art (Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1935 in the United States)

Evolution of Indigenous Art Commercialization

• The emergence of Indigenous-owned and operated art galleries and cooperatives in the mid-20th century marked a shift towards greater Indigenous control over the commercialization of their art
• The global art market's growing interest in Indigenous art from the 1980s onward led to increased exposure and economic opportunities for Indigenous artists
• Contemporary Indigenous artists continue to navigate the complexities of the commercial art market while maintaining their cultural integrity and artistic vision

Impact on Indigenous Art Meaning

Commodification and Cultural Expression

• Commercialization has led to the commodification of Indigenous art, sometimes resulting in the production of art solely for the purpose of sale rather than cultural expression
• The demand for Indigenous art in the commercial market has influenced the style, medium, and subject matter of some Indigenous artists' work, potentially leading to a departure from traditional artistic practices
• However, commercialization has also provided opportunities for Indigenous artists to share their culture with a wider audience and educate non-Indigenous people about the significance and meaning behind their art

Cultural Appropriation and Economic Empowerment

• The commercialization of Indigenous art has raised concerns about cultural appropriation, as non-Indigenous individuals and businesses may exploit Indigenous artistic traditions for profit without proper understanding or respect
• The income generated through the sale of Indigenous art has enabled some artists to support themselves and their communities, contributing to economic empowerment and cultural preservation
• Indigenous artists and communities continue to navigate the balance between cultural integrity and economic opportunity in the commercial art market

Players in Art Commercialization

Indigenous Artists and Organizations

• Indigenous artists, both traditional and contemporary, are central to the production and sale of Indigenous art in the commercial market
• Indigenous-owned and operated art galleries, cooperatives, and cultural centers play a crucial role in promoting and selling Indigenous art while ensuring that the artists maintain control over their work (Inuit Art Foundation, Santa Fe Indian Market)

Non-Indigenous Institutions and Agencies

• Non-Indigenous art galleries, museums, and collectors have significantly influenced the commercialization of Indigenous art by creating demand, setting prices, and shaping public perceptions
• Government agencies are responsible for promoting and regulating the sale of Indigenous art to protect artists and consumers from fraud (Indian Arts and Crafts Board in the United States)
• Arts organizations, foundations, and educational institutions have contributed to the commercialization of Indigenous art through grants, exhibitions, and research, as well as by providing training and support for Indigenous artists (Smithsonian Institution, Canada Council for the Arts)

Benefits vs Challenges for Artists

Economic Opportunities and Recognition

• Participation in the commercial art market has provided Indigenous artists with opportunities to generate income, support themselves and their families, and contribute to their communities' economic development
• The commercial success of some Indigenous artists has led to greater recognition and appreciation of Indigenous art and culture among non-Indigenous audiences
• Indigenous artists have used their success in the commercial art market to create new opportunities for themselves and other Indigenous artists (scholarships, mentorship programs)

Navigating Market Demands and Artistic Integrity

• Indigenous artists may face challenges in navigating the expectations and demands of the commercial art market, which may differ from traditional cultural practices and values
• The pressure to create art that appeals to commercial tastes can lead to the production of inauthentic or stereotypical representations of Indigenous culture, compromising artistic integrity
• Indigenous artists may also encounter difficulties in protecting their intellectual property rights and preventing the unauthorized reproduction or appropriation of their work

Unequal Power Dynamics and Access to Resources

• The unequal power dynamics within the art market can result in Indigenous artists receiving lower prices for their work compared to non-Indigenous artists, perpetuating economic disparities
• Limited access to resources, such as quality art materials, training, and marketing support, can hinder the success of Indigenous artists in the commercial market
• Indigenous artists and organizations continue to advocate for greater equity and support within the commercial art market to ensure the long-term sustainability and success of Indigenous art