Newman/Parnpajinya, Jigalong, Parnngurr, Irrungadji, Punmu and Kunawarritji 'Martumili Artists' Shared Responsibility Agreement (SRA)

Date: 8 June 2006
Sub Category:Shared Responsibility Agreement (SRA)
Place:East Pilbara
State/Country:Western Australia, Australia
The Martumili Artists' Project Manager is based in Newman, Western Australia.
Subject Matter: | Cultural Heritage | Economic Development | Management / Administration
URL: http://www.indigenous.gov.au/sra/search/document.aspx?id=8200
Summary Information:
The Newman/Parnpajinya, Jigalong, Parnngurr, Irrungadji, Punmu and Kunawarritji 'Martumili Artists' Shared Responsibility Agreement (SRA) is an agreement between the indigenous artists of the Martu region (MMA), the Australian and Western Australian Governments, the Shire of East Pilbara and BHP Billiton, aiming to establish a sustainable arts and cultural service in the East Pilbara through the creation of a professional network for the artists. Shared Responsibility Agreements are agreements between governments and Indigenous communities to provide discretionary funding in return for community obligations. The new arrangements developed from an initiative of the Council of Australian Governments and replace the previous ATSIC system of funding. For more information see ‘Shared Responsibility Agreement’ below.
Detailed Information:
Purpose The SRA provides for resources and funding for the facilitation and advancement of a sustainable Martu arts enterprise, including the recruitment and costs of a manager for the MMA operations, a vehicle to support the MMA through the communities, and support for the dispute resolution framework established by Martu communities for the artists to use through the MMA. The SRA addresses specific community priorities, including:
  • the production and sale of Indigenous art from the East Pilbara in the local, national and international market;
  • the creation of a locally owned, independent small business;
  • generate income through art sales, and
  • the improvement of employment opportunities. Shared Responsibilities Through the MMA, the community and individuals will:
  • support, direct and manage MMA activities, including professional development of artists, commercial relationships, exhibitions and promotional activities, and the establishment of a website;
  • establish and maintain an archiving and cataloguing system that will include community-provided cultural and social information for all artworks;
  • hold regular MMA meetings;
  • settle a memorandum of understanding between the Martu communities and the Shire of East Pilbara;
  • resolve any disputes arising pursuant to the MMA’s conflict resolution framework;
  • abide by MMA Steering Committee decisions, including those related to dispute resolution;
  • follow all governance and asset guidelines as required by the Office of the Registrar of Aboriginal Corporations (ORAC);
  • administer and participate in work for Community Development Employment Projects (CDEP) Programmes where appropriate;
  • upon sale of artwork, pay a commission to MMA, set at an agreed rate, that will be used for ongoing core costs;
  • ensure that school age dependent’s attend school, and
  • work with the MMA Project Manager and school to facilitate collaborative projects, providing culture and art skills development and transfer to young people. The MMA Project Manager will:
  • be hosted by the Shire of East Pilbara;
  • work with artists and liaise with schools to program exhibition opening nights, MMA committee meetings and other MMA activities so they do not conflict with school commitments;
  • delivery of art materials and skills training arts development sessions to emerging and established artists;
  • coordination of cultural activities, linking land, stories and heritage processes;
  • documentation of artworks and stock control;
  • implementation of agreed sales and promotional strategies;
  • supervision of financial and operational systems;
  • management of an equitable payment system for artists through the agreed governance processes;
  • support of arts infrastructure within the Martu communities, and
  • assist with governance, meetings and business skills and development. The Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts (DCITA) has proposed a contribution of $20,000 towards the recruitment and salary cost for the MMA Project Manager prior to commencement of 2006/2007, after which costs will be met through general program funding. The Office of Indigenous Policy Coordination (OIPC) has proposed a contribution of $74,800 towards the recruitment and salary costs for the MMA Project Manager and vehicle costs. Indigenous Business Australia has proposed a contribution of $20,000 towards an application (pending approval) for a business and development plan. The Department of Culture and the Arts, through ArtsWA, has proposed the provision of arts development expertise and funding advice. The Pilbara Development Commission has proposed a contribution of $67,000 towards start-up funding and the purchase of materials and equipment. The Office of Aboriginal Economic Development (OAED) has proposed the provision of funding advise and expertise, business mentoring and assistance with the development of the art centre enterprise model. The Shire of East Pilbara will take a leading support role through hosting the MMA Project Manager, providing:
  • supervisory services;
  • administrative support;
  • office accommodation, and
  • storage space and project management expertise. The Shire will also manage and maintain the vehicle to be used by the MMA Project Manager in supporting MMA activities. BHP Billiton will provide accommodation for the MMA Project Manager in Newman. The funding of the SRA is subject to the partners entering into a legally binding funding agreement Performance Indicators and Feedback Mechanisms The SRA provides for the quarterly assessment by the MMA Project Manager of:
  • the number of art exhibitions;
  • artistic and cultural activities organised with the MMA;
  • the number of artists registered with the MMA;
  • artwork sales;
  • collaborative projects between MMA and the schools;
  • meetings held by the MMA Steering Committee, and
  • school attendance rate by artists registered with MMA. The MMA will assess the income generated on a quarterly basis. Quarterly meetings and reports between the MMA Project Manager, the Shire of East Pilbara

  • Related Entries

    Organisation
  • Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts (Cth) - Signatory
  • Office of Indigenous Policy Coordination (Cth) - Signatory
  • Indigenous Business Australia - Signatory
  • BHP Billiton - Signatory
  • South Hedland Indigenous Coordination Centre (ICC)
  • Office of Aboriginal Economic Development (OAED) - Signatory
  • Pilbara Development Commission - Signatory
  • Department of Culture and the Arts (WA) - Signatory
  • Shire of East Pilbara - Signatory
  • People
  • Martu People - Signatory
  • Policy/Strategy
  • Community Development Employment Projects (CDEP) Programme

  • References

    Magazine
    ArtsWA (2006) Martumili Artists Project
    Resource
    Australian Government (2006) Martumili Artists
    The Shire of East Pilbara Council News - Martumili Artists
    Western Australian Department of Culture and the Arts (2006) Submission to the Inquiry into Australia’s Indigenous Visual Arts and Craft Sector

    Glossary

    Shared Responsibility Agreement (SRA) (Australia)