About Us

Utopia Australia is a proud 100% Australian-owned and operated business. Established in the early 1980s, we are a family-owned enterprise originally based in the heart of Australia, Alice Springs. Our home is still in Alice Springs and we collaborate closely with artists from the Utopia region.

In January 2021, we relocated our warehouse to Adelaide but we continue to live and work remotely from the beautiful red centre.

We deeply respect the rich and complex Aboriginal culture, where family is at the core of everything. Understanding the importance of working together in harmony, we strive to run a successful small business that gives back to the artists and the community we are part of.

History

Utopia Australia was founded in 2007 in Alice Springs during the Global Financial Crisis (GFC), which severely impacted the market for Aboriginal art sold by Mbantua Aboriginal Art Gallery. Understanding the critical link between art sales and artists' livelihoods, we created Utopia Australia to provide a sustainable income stream for Aboriginal artists.

Working closely with local lawyers, we established contracts and invited artists to participate, receiving overwhelmingly positive responses. Initially trading as Barker Souvenirs, we started with products like postcards and magnets, gradually expanding to include wine, water and stubby coolers featuring Aboriginal designs by our artists.

Over the years, we've navigated challenges, learning which designs translate effectively into products and addressing the realities of manufacturing costs. While striving to produce locally, we've also sought to balance quality with consumer affordability.

Today, Utopia Australia proudly offers a diverse range of products showcasing stunning Aboriginal designs that resonate with customers across Australia and worldwide.

Relationship with the Artists

As with any relationship, establishing a mutual bond of respect and trust takes time and effort. For over 30 years, we have worked closely with these artists and their families, priding ourselves on direct and personal collaboration. We've stood by them through good times and hard times: attending funerals, sharing tears, receiving invitations to ceremonies (a significant privilege) and witnessing children grow and families evolve. We've also provided financial support and guidance when needed. We hope our efforts have helped improve the lives of those we work with.

The fact that our artists and their families have chosen to continue working with us for so many years indicates that we are doing the right thing. Our artists are wonderful people and their artwork beautifully reflects their culture and personalities.

Authenticity/Ethics

Maintaining the ethics and authenticity of Aboriginal art and culture is paramount to us.

Mbantua Aboriginal Art Gallery is a legacy member of the Aboriginal Art Association of Australia, and Utopia Australia is committed to upholding the ethics and guidelines for authenticity and fairness that this organisation expects when working with Indigenous artists and the community.

Utopia Australia ensures that every product is labeled with details about the artist and the design, including, with permission, a photo of the artist.

Copyright and Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP)

The copyright in the artwork always remains with the artist. Utopia Australia ensures that the Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) of the artist, their work, and accompanying stories are attributed to each product.

Utopia Australia collaborates with artists to ensure that the selected artwork is suitable for reproduction and not culturally sensitive. This process allows artists to address any cultural issues or concerns regarding how their artwork is displayed or used.

Royalties

Ensuring that artists are recognised both visually and monetarily for their contributions is a cornerstone of our business. Without their incredible work, these products would not be possible.

We pay royalties to every artist we collaborate with on a monthly basis. A percentage of sales from each artist’s products is calculated, a sales report is generated, and the owed amount is paid to the artist through their chosen payment method. This sales report is available to each artist upon request, accommodating those who may not have an email address or permanent home address.

Although we are frequently asked, we cannot disclose the exact percentage paid, as this is confidential information. However, we have been working with the same artists and their families for many years, ensuring that all parties are satisfied with the royalty payments. Artists always have the option to withdraw from their contract at any time.

SO HOW DOES IT ALL WORK?

Step 1. The Plan/Discussion:

Utopia Australia sources Aboriginal art that we believe will look appealing and sell well on various gifts and homeware products, including existing items and new ones we plan to introduce. While we appreciate all artworks, our extensive experience has taught us that not every piece will translate well onto products, so we must be selective. We then approach the artist for a face-to-face discussion to gauge their interest in collaborating with us.

Having known many of these artists for years, we have built mutual trust, helping us work together towards the common goal of showcasing their remarkable art to the world. Additionally, artists frequently approach us, eager to see their designs on our products. Although it’s tempting to proceed with every request, the potential viability of each product must be considered, as launching new designs and products is no easy feat.

Step 2. The Contract:

Our contracts are drafted by lawyers specialising in Copyright Agreements and recommended by the Indigenous Art Code of Australia. The company has expertise and experience in:

• Commercial and Business Law: governance advice and corporate documentation
• Intellectual Property (IP): trademarks, copyright and licensing and IP management plans
• Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP): protocols and ICIP management plans

These contracts outline the responsibilities of both Utopia Australia and the artists to ensure everyone is clear about what is being entered into, to protect the rights of everyone involved.

These contracts clearly outline the responsibilities of both Utopia Australia and the artists, ensuring that everyone understands and protects their rights. Artists always retain copyright ownership of their artwork and have control over which products their designs are used on, with development ideas discussed directly with them for agreement. The contract covers essential information, including:

• Definitions and Interpretations
• Copyright in the Artistic Work
• Licence
• Moral rights of the Artist
• Accompanying Story
• Representations, Warranties, and Indemnities
• Payment and Royalties
• Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property
• Name, Likeness and Biography
• Confidentiality
• Termination
• Notices/Disputes
• Changes to Agreement
• Succession
• Assignment and Relevant Law

We have invested many hours in researching royalty contracts to ensure fairness and periodically review them to protect the interests of both parties. Before signing, the contract is discussed with the artist, who can consult their lawyers and/or family members. The artist can then return to us with any questions or concerns, which we address together.

Step 3. Contract Signing Meeting:

Once the contract is finalised, we schedule a meeting with the artist and their family, either in our Alice Springs office or in Utopia, depending on the artist’s arrangements. The contract is explained again, with translations provided as needed. Once everyone agrees, all parties, along with family and other witnesses, sign the contract.

Step 4. Production

With contracts in place, Utopia Australia begins sourcing products. Depending on the product, this process can take from a few weeks to a few months. Samples are ordered from various manufacturers to ensure top quality, and the artists are given the chance to review them. Once everyone is satisfied, production begins, and the final products are delivered to our warehouse. If tagging or packaging is required, it is done before the products are stocked on our shelves, ready to fulfill customer orders.

Step 5. Sell, Sell, Sell

That's the plan! Utopia Australia currently operates as a wholesale trade-only seller, partnering with businesses across Australia. We keep our customer database informed with marketing emails about new products, sales, artist stories, and other updates. Although our ever-changing and expanding product range makes it challenging to keep our hard copy catalogues up-to-date, our website always features our latest products.

If you're interested in becoming a wholesale purchaser of Utopia Australia products, please get in touch through our contact page.

Trade Principles

At Utopia Australia, we uphold fair and ethical trade principles, ensuring our artists are respected and actively involved in bringing their artwork and merchandise to market. We maintain regular communication with our artists, discussing their royalties and addressing any queries they may have. Upon request, we provide information regarding their contracts, sales and royalty payments.

We are committed to ethical trading and fully support the values promoted by both the Aboriginal Art Association of Australia (AAAA) and the Indigenous Art Code.

A snippet from the Mission statement of AAAA:

Our mission is to ensure a vibrant, healthy, sustainable and inclusive Indigenous visual arts industry. We recognise that the industry depends upon the creative genius of Indigenous artists producing cultural material and that the long term viability of the industry depends upon that culture remaining strong.

We wholeheartedly support and agree with this mission. We will continue to promote the art and culture of Aboriginal Australia to the best of our ability. Our relationship with our artists and the community is always at the forefront of everything we do.