Approximately 91% of Australia's land is classified as "uninhabited," or "less developed," according to the Australian government. This includes areas such as national parks, nature reserves, and remote regions that are not suitable for large-scale development due to their arid or mountainous conditons. Much of the indigenous “Aboriginal” Australian populaton resides in very remote areas that are difficult to access.

Aboriginal art centers are often challenging for the public to access due to their remote locations, which can be hundreds of kilometers away from major towns and cities. Consequently, art is typically limited to purchases by Australian art galleries, tourists via guided art tours, and online sales. However, the remote nature of these centers often encumbers sales of inventory from many indigenous artists, hindering their exposure and recogniton. While reputable private Australian art galleries play a vital role in promoting the work of recognized Aboriginal artists, and introducing new and upcoming indigenous artists to Australian audiences, many Aboriginal artists continue to be significantly underrepresented, despite these efforts.

There are two significant organizatons representing and protecting the rights and well-being of Australian Aboriginal artsts:

1. ANKA currently represents almost 50 Aboriginal owned remote community Art Centers and over five thousand artists. Many ANKA-represented artists are internatonally acclaimed artsts, arts professionals, and important community leaders. ANKA has oversight over four regions: the Kimberley, Arnhem Land, the Tiwi Islands and Darwin/Katherine.

2. Established in 1992, and incorporated in 1993, Desart represents thirty-five independently governed Aboriginal Art and Craft Centers in the southern part of Australia, representng eight thousand artists. Desart is governed by a ten-member Aboriginal executve committee elected from the membership regions and currently employs seven staff, servicing a membership area of 1.221 million square kilometers.

At Design DownUnder, we are committed to providing greater access to underrepresented Australian Aboriginal art and artists, facilitating a more equitable and inclusive art community.