On Friday morning, the Namatjira Legacy Trust (www.namatjiratrust.org) was launched at the National Museum of Australia, Canberra, honouring the legacy of Indigenous artist Albert Namatjira.
The Namatjira Legacy Trust will work in partnership with the Iltja Ntjarra Many Hands Art Centre to support professional development and outreach, enabling more community members to have the opportunity to strengthen their art making and improve their wellbeing.
A pressing issue for the Namatjira Legacy Trust is to raise funds to try to buy back copyright to the works of Albert Namatjira.
For creators of literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works, copyright generally only lasts for 70 years after their death. And in 2029, it will be 70 years, since Albert Namatjira’s passing. In 1957, Namatjira entered into a royalty agreement relating to reproduction of his paintings. In 1983, the Public Trustee for the Northern Territory reportedly sold copyright to Albert Namatjira’s works for $8,500. If the Namatjira Legacy Trust is able to buy back the copyright, then it might be possible to seek the rare status of perpetual copyright.
Albert Namatjira was born in Hermannsburg (Ntaria), Northern Territory in 1902. As one of the best known names in Australian art, Namatjira has been recognised in many ways, including several times on postage stamps. The 1956 Archibald Prize was won by William Dargie, for his portrait of Albert Namatjira. Finalists that year included Judy Cassab and Donald Friend. In 1957, Albert Namatjira gained full citizenship rights, a process apparently achieved after he sought to have his name excluded from the Northern Territory register of wards.
Two of Albert Namatjira’s granddaughters spoke at the launch of the Namatjira Legacy Trust. Gloria Pannka spoke of being really proud of Albert’s legacy. Gloria also spoke of Albert’s bravery and how his descendants need to be brave to make sure his legacy is kept alive. Lenie Namatjira (the daughter of Albert’s son Oscar) spoke of how everyone knew Albert’s paintings, but didn’t know his story and how happy she is with the play, Namatjira. Lenie also talked of the Queen, when some of Albert’s paintings were taken to London, enjoying the bright colours in his paintings.
At the Namatjira Legacy Trust launch, Northern Territory singer/songwriter Shellie Morris (www.shelliemorris.net) performed her song, ‘As We Walk Together’ (in English and language). Shellie will be releasing a new album during 2017, which can be pre-purchased through her website.
The National Museum of Australia (www.nma.gov.au), whose Director Dr Mathew Trinca spoke at the Namatjira Legacy Trust launch, has 17 works by Albert Namatjira and around 90 works by his closest and extended family.
During 2017, the documentary, Namatjira Project, will premiere.
Donations to the Namatjira Legacy Trust can be made through its website: www.namatjiratrust.org
Other Resources:
http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/namatjira-albert-elea-11217
www.artslaw.com.au/info-sheets/info-sheet/copyright/
www.artslaw.com.au/case-studies/entry/albert-namatjira-copyright-and-a-will
SUE BARRETT