A recent report outlines the status and confirms the restrictions surrounding a number of key works in the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT).  The early Papunya Boards are a vitally important body of work that are considered to represent the very beginnings of the modern Aboriginal art movement.

The report, prepared by the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority (AAPA), advises that 63 of 226 works should not be available for public display.  It also recommends that MAGNT establish a management plan specifically for the Papunya Boards collection.

MAGNT Director, Pierre Arpin, has predicted that institutions across Australia may need to look at their own collections and consult with the community.

For further information see:

Amos Aiken, ‘Top End secret artists’ business’ The Australian December 10 2012

MAGNT Papunya Boards Report Dec 2012