What Art Royalties Mean for Aboriginal Women Artists

Photo courtesy of Warlukurlangu Artists Aboriginal Corporation, Yuendumu, Northern Territory

For many Aboriginal women living in remote Outback communities, art provides one of the few opportunities for financial independence.

Royalties from licensed artworks empower women in ways that extend beyond the individual:

Economic Security: Royalties provide a steady income stream in regions where employment opportunities are scarce.

Family Wellbeing: Artists use earnings to support children, grandchildren and extended families.

Community Growth: Funds are often reinvested into community art centres, which provide training, materials and safe cultural spaces.

Cultural Continuity: With financial recognition, artists are empowered to keep painting and passing down stories to future generations.

Mainie Australia brings to life authentic Aboriginal art on luxurious fashion pieces

Over the past decade, Mainie has made substantial financial investments in Aboriginal artists and community art centres through the direct purchase of original artworks, the payment of licensing fees and ongoing artist royalties.

These funds have helped to sustain local art programs, nurture emerging talent and ensure that artists benefit financially from their cultural and creative contributions.

In this way, a Mainie wearable art piece is not just a fashion statement, a contribution to a legacy of cultural and economic empowerment of Aboriginal women, their families and communities.

Authentic Aboriginal Art Depicting an Ancient Dreaming Story

Beyond Commerce: A Partnership Built on Respect

Mainie’s licensing agreements are developed in accordance with the Indigenous Art Code, which sets industry standards for fair trade in Aboriginal art.

This means:

• Artists retain copyright of their original works.
• Royalties are paid from every item produced featuring their designs.
• Provenance documentation accompanies each piece, honouring the artist’s name and story.

For our customers, this ensures that every wearable art piece they purchase carries integrity and authenticity. For the artists, it ensures dignity, recognition and fair reward for their cultural and creative contributions.

Warlpiri Artist at Work – Warlukurlangu Art Centre

A New Vision of Luxury

Luxury fashion is evolving. Today’s conscious consumers are seeking pieces with provenance - garments that not only look exquisite but also make a difference.

Mainie embodies this new vision: where heritage meets fashion style, and where every purchase tells a story of resilience, empowerment and pride.

When you wear Mainie, you are not only wrapping yourself in pure silk or fine Australian Merino wool - but you are also supporting Aboriginal women artists to share their voices with the world.

The Natural Colours of the Desert Brought to Life as Art

Fashion With Integrity

Fashion is more than fabric; it is a medium for storytelling, identity and change. At Mainie, we are proud to stand at the intersection of culture and couture, ensuring that every design honours its origins and uplifts the women who created it.

By choosing Mainie, you are choosing fashion with integrity. Together, we can celebrate beauty that is ethical, sustainable and profoundly meaningful.

Juka Juka, a sacred Water Dreaming site on a traditional Warlpiri songline. It marks a place where the past and present meet.

Discover Mainie’s unique melding of authentic Aboriginal art and luxurious fashion at www.mainie.com.

Founded in 2012 by Gunggari Aboriginal woman Charmaine (Mainie) Saunders, Mainie Australia is a proud Supply Nation Certified Indigenous-Owned Business and a committed Member of the Indigenous Art Code.