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Staying true to their values is what owners Anna Kanaris and Arthur Clarke of Artitja Fine Art in South Fremantle, Western Australia believe landed them the ‘Corporate Social Responsibility’ gong at this year’s 2016 Fremantle Business Awards. The award recognises organisations that positively impact on the community, and generate outcomes that have long term benefits through their implemented policies and projects.
At a time of uncertainty about ethical sourcing and proper practice in Indigenous art, it is a feather in the cap for Artitja Fine Art to have received this prestigious award at the annual event on June 10, 2016 held by the Fremantle Chamber of Commerce.
With no walk in, bricks and mortar space, the Indigenous Fine Art Gallery is unusual. In 2004, owners Kanaris and Clarke began holding ‘pop up’ exhibitions showing art from remote Indigenous communities in between operating the gallery privately by appointment. They realised this concept worked and have run with it ever since. Twelve years on, and having weathered many changes in the Aboriginal art world the business model continues with a growing and loyal following.
“Operating much of the time by appointment does make us a bit of a secret I guess ” says Director Anna Kanaris “but once people find us, word is quickly passed around. Word of mouth is our greatest asset, and our reputation depends on it. It is how we have survived. It also keeps us on our toes and assures we hold on to the integrity and values we hold dear and operate under.”
“Being recipients of this award is not something we accept lightly, it is a serious and important affirmation of who we are and how we operate. But more importantly in a difficult art market and economy, it keeps us energised and motivated to move forward working harder and harder for all the wonderful and talented Indigenous artists whom we represent.”
Artitja Fine Art
Western Australia
2016 Fremantle Business Awards
Image: Anna Kanaris accepting the award at 2016 Fremantle Business Awards
Photography (c) The Scene Team
Courtesy Artitja Fine Art
