ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER POLICY

Transcription

1 ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER POLICY 1. Statement of acknowledgement The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA) is located on the traditional lands of the Gadigal people of the Eora nations. The site, which is now called The Rocks, is known as Tallawoladah. i The MCA recognises the Gadigal people of the Eora nation as the traditional owners and ongoing custodians of the lands and waters upon which the MCA is situated. 2. Purpose The purpose of this document is to align the work of the MCA in regards to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts with the external environment. This includes national and international Indigenous priorities and principles relating to Indigenous art and culture. In addition this document aims to define the intentions of the MCA in relation to its commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and align its work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts with the broader values and goals of the organisation. The document also intends to define roles and responsibilities. 3. Context 3.1. Business context Connecting a broad and diverse public with the work of living artists, the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia pursues curatorial excellence and innovation in audience engagement. The MCA embodies a number of key values: dership role in shaping an Australia that values contemporary art and artists. Artists are central to all our activities Making challenging and complex work accessible Fostering creativity and critical thinking An entrepreneurial outlook Collaboration is key Sustainable and resilient 1

2 The Board and Leadership Team have articulated five key goals: Excellence in organisation wide programming Deepening engagement and extending reach Influencing the influencers Unlocking organisational potential Integrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives 3.2. Cultural context The MCA is located at a site that is of immense cultural and historical importance to the local Gadigal peoples. MCA also works in and with communities from many other sites across Australia. The Museum takes pride in acknowledging the role of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the traditional owners and ongoing custodians of country. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples In growing our commitment further the MCA is committed to undertaking acts of recognition and cultural protocols as well as highlighting areas of achievement as seen in Appendix A. The MCA celebrates its continuous contribution and achievements in relation to contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art practice. Appendix A presents a history of the MCA Collection including: 4. Definitions Collection Maningrida Collection Ramingining Collections Key facts Representation of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander artworks from the MCA Collection in major international exhibitions For the purposes of this document the following definitions apply: 4.1. Indigenous With the exception of reference to international Indigenous peoples, the term 'Indigenous' specifically refers to the Indigenous people of Australia who are otherwise known more broadly as 'Aboriginal and/or Indigenous may also mean Indigenous people or a thing pertaining to Indigenous people. For the purpose of this document Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander is the preferred use of term to define the first people of this country we call Australia, the use of specific language groups, nations, clans and kinship affiliations is also a common use of reference for artists. 2

3 4.2. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander An Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person is defined as anyone who*: is of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent identifies as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, and is recognised by the Indigenous community in which they live as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person. *This definition is based on the definition of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity that has been adopted by the Commonwealth of Australia for administrative purposes Contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art By definition, contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art refers to anything across broad genres that is made in the here and now Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learning This refers to learning developed to support engagement and understanding of exhibitions and creative learning programs and resources (including stories, language, song) that is: 5. Principles undertaken by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and/or audiences; created or represented by MCA staff, guest speakers or writers who are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander; presented by non-indigenous staff about an artwork by an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander artist. The following Principles underpin all activities in the pursuit of the objectives, set out in section 6 of this policy: 5.1. Self-determination The MCA is committed to the principle of self-determination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Self-determination is the internationally recognised right of Indigenous peoples to control their own affairs, maintain their culture and heritage and determine their own future. Within the context of the MCA, self-determination means the right of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to celebrate their culture and identity and to determine the direction of the commitment of the 3

4 MCA to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. This is subject to the established rules, management and governance structure of the MCA. This policy achieves this balance by embedding the aspirations and values of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people into the MCA governance and planning framework. As part of its commitment to self-determination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the MCA: is committed to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consultation in planning and implementation of initiatives and programs in support of the MCA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Policy; acknowledges that accountability to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community both within and outside of the MCA regarding its plans, activities and achievements is essential Respect and acknowledgement The MCA acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the original Australians and ongoing custodians of Country who occupy a unique place within Australian society and subsequently within the MCA. Therefore the MCA seeks to develop an institutional identity that takes pride in and actively seeks to identify with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people Shared responsibility Implementation of this policy is a responsibility shared across the Museum. The 2017 Strategic Plan assigns strategies, key performance indicators and responsibility for integrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives across our business Cultural safety The MCA is committed to an environment that is welcoming, respectful, culturally safe, nondiscriminatory and free of harassment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people Collections The MCA is committed to the building of a unique and outstanding collection of contemporary art by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists Understanding and appreciation The MCA is committed to the development of understanding and appreciation of contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and art practice Ethical research 4

5 The MCA is committed to ethical Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research principles founded on respect for Indigenous -determination including the control and maintenance of their culture and heritage. Research that involves Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be approached with best practice ethical standards and in consideration of human rights principles. It is essential that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people be informed and active participants in any MCA related research project that concerns them Cultural competency The MCA is committed to the development of cultural competency amongst its non-indigenous staff in 5.9. Flexibility and innovation The MCA expects all staff to be flexible and innovative in developing and delivering all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs Equitable education and employment The MCA is committed to the achievement of equitable targets and outcomes in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment. The MCA will ensure that Indigenous education and employment objectives are specifically included in all major MCA strategies and plans Informed policy development The MCA will consider this policy in the preparation and review of all MCA initiatives, programs and strategies Identity, respect and recognition In seeking to develop an institutional identity that takes pride in and actively seeks to identify with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the MCA is committed to the following: and In acknowledging the unique position of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, an will be provided by MCA staff (and where appropriate, by an Indigenous member of staff) at all significant MCA public events and major programs including season launches, official functions, conferences, public events, etc. At culturally significant events, the MCA will invite a traditional custodian, or designated representative, to 5

6 6. Objectives member of the Aboriginal community to give. Aboriginal Flag The MCA is a heritage-listed building with restrictions on modifications to the building. The 3 flag poles situated on the top of the building will display the Australian national flag, the NSW state flag and the Aboriginal flag together in a prominent location. Due to the heritage restrictions, the Museum is unable to fly the Torres Strait Islander flag. However, the MCA acknowledges and respects the important place that Torres Strait Islander people have in Australia. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders In being respectful of knowledge systems and the important role that Elders hold within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, the MCA will continue to engage with Indigenous Elders in seeking guidance, insight and participation in programs and policies presented by the MCA. In achieving its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander targets and interests the MCA is committed to the following measurable objectives: 6.1. To build a collection of significant contemporary art works by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists through annual acquisitions; 6.2. To create a significant presence of work by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists in the MCA exhibition program. Targets of: 6.3. at least 2 major dedicated exhibitions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art presented every 3 years; at least 4 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists commissioned to make new work every 3 years; and at least 25% of artists exhibited annually in MCA building, including in Collection displays, to be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander; creative learning programs and resources; 6.4. To increase production, facilitation and promotion of scholarly research relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander contemporary art and artists; 6

7 6.5. To facilitate acts of cultural affirmation and raise the status and visibility of Indigenous people and culture across MCA as well as celebrate the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; 6.6. To increase the extent and quality of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community engagement; 6.7. To encourage the internationalisation of contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art practice, discourse and creative learning; 6.8. To achieve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment rates that at a minimum, reflect the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander working population, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff retention rates and levels of seniority that are commensurate with MCA non-indigenous staff To provide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff appropriate levels of professional development opportunities that will enable them to fully realise their potential; To increase the cultural competency amongst all MCA staff so that they better understand and appreciate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and philosophies; To increase the level and expand the sources of external funding to MCA to support its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander commitments. 7. Roles and responsibilities 7.1. The Director of the MCA The Director is personally responsible for the implementation of this policy and is accountable to the Board of the MCA in relation to the progression of the commitments contained within this policy. The Indigenous Advisory Group on the progression of this policy Divisional Directors Divisional Directors are responsible for the implementation of this policy within their Divisions, have performance expectations included in their work-plans and are accountable against these expectations to the Director Curator Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Programs The Curator Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Programs is a senior Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander staff member of the MCA and as such initiates relevant programming and is a principal Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander commitments and interests. The Curator Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Programs will be consulted in relation to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander initiatives with consultation occurring at the earliest possible time. 7

8 Upon advice from the Curator Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Programs, initiatives and programs which contravene Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ethical and cultural concerns, should be brought to the Indigenous Advisory Group for discussion Indigenous Advisory Group The role of t Indigenous Advisory Group is to support the Museum in the achievement of its Indigenous Advisory Group does this by: Providing informed advice and feedback; Reflecting community expectation and aspirations and identifying opportunities; Considering and where appropriate endorsing the programs and activities; Monitoring through enquiring and the receipt of reports, the progression of the commitments and interests contained within this policy. 8. Related Policy Statements and Documents 8.1. United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Adopted by General Assembly Resolution 61/295 on 13 September 2007, The Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is a set of principles describing equality, non-discrimination, partnership, consultation and cooperation between Indigenous peoples and governments and their institutions. The Australian Government officially endorsed this document on 3 April Australia Council for the Arts: Indigenous Protocols The Australia Council for the Arts has produced five protocol guides which set out the legal, ethical and moral considerations for the use of Indigenous material. The protocol guides endorse the rights of Indigenous people to own and control their cultural heritage. These rights are confirmed in the 2007 United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The five guidelines relate to media arts, music, performing arts, visual arts and writing Continuous Cultures, Ongoing Responsibilities Principles and guidelines for Australian museums working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage Museums Australia developed this document in 2005 to guide collecting institutions throughout Australia. This document preceded Previous Possessions, New Obligations (PPNO) following a formal review in 2000 that gathered quantitative and qualitative statistical information from museum professionals highlighting the effectiveness of PPNO and important factors regarding its implementation within organisations. 8

9 8.4. Australian Best Practice Guide to Collecting Cultural Material A set of guiding principles developed to safeguard the provisions of the Protection of Movable Cultural Heritage Act 1986 (the PMCH Act) and the UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property The Australian best practice guide to collecting cultural material has been developed by the Heads of Collecting Institutions (HOCI), through a forum of Chief Executives representing the National Collecting Institutions within Australia. Australia's collecting institutions are wide and varied from large government funded agencies to small volunteer run community organisations. The Australian best practice guide defines common objectives relating to collecting, researching, preserving, and exhibiting cultural material from Australia and around the world. Another shared concern is that the highest standards of legal, ethical and professional practice are reflected in the way their collections are acquired. The intention of these guidelines, within legal and ethical frameworks, is to assist cultural institutions Australian Institute for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS): Guidelines for Ethical Research in Indigenous Studies, 2011 The principles contained in the AIATSIS 'Guidelines for Ethical Research in Indigenous Studies' are founded on respect for Indigenous peoples' inherent right to self-determination, and to control and maintain their culture and heritage. AIATSIS considers these principles to not only be a matter of ethical research practice but of human rights. i The Rocks west side of Sydney Cove Talla-wo-la-dah Anon ca Where the hospital stands - See more at: Also; The notebooks of William Dawes on The Aboriginal Language of Sydney Tallawoladah [proper noun: place] This occurrence: C54 55 This occurrence glossed as: «Where the Hospital stands» (C54 55) 9