ARTISTS
Mainie is an approved Dealer Member of the Indigenous Art Code.
The Indigenous Art Code sets the standards of conduct for those involved in the trade of Indigenous art to ensure that they act fairly, honestly, professionally and in good conscience at all times when dealing with Indigenous artists.
Signing the Indigenous Art Code is a commitment by sellers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art to build strong, ethical and sustainable Indigenous art commerce and to end exploitation, which takes advantage of artists and negatively impacts communities.
As a signatory to the Indigenous Art Code, Mainie is committed to always conduct our business with Indigenous artists with the highest standards of ethics and respect.
Mainie’s commercial arrangements with Aboriginal artists are governed by formal contractual agreements in accordance with the Indigenous Art Code, whereby the Aboriginal artists retain the copyright to their original art designs.
The formal art licensing agreements cover:
- Purchase of original artworks at a fair price as set by the artists
- Licensing to allow for the reproduction of original artwork images onto Mainie products.
- Payments of artist royalties calculated on sales of Mainie products.
CENTRAL AUSTRALIA ARTISTS
Mainie sources original artworks from Aboriginal owned and controlled art centres in remote communities in Central Australia. The communities are located on the ancestral homelands of the artists, where there is an unbroken connection to their traditional Aboriginal culture and languages.
Our mission is to support Aboriginal women artists to earn an independent income from their own work. We are committed to creating sustainable opportunities for women living in isolated and disadvantaged Aboriginal communities to preserve the sacred Dreaming stories, which have been handed to them through many generations of their ancestors over tens of thousands of years, for future generations.
Mainie has acquired a number of significant artworks from the Warlukurlangu Artists Aboriginal Corporation, a world-renowned art centre, which is located on the traditional homelands of the Warlpiri Aboriginal people at the Yuendumu community about 290 kilometres from Alice Springs.
Warlukurlangu has long been a stronghold for the preservation of the ancient Warlpiri culture and language.
The Warlpiri people from the remote Tanami Desert region of Central Australia were some of the last Aboriginal people to make first contact with Europeans. To this day, the Warlpiri people continue to speak their own language and maintain the customs and traditions of their ancestors.
Due to the impeccable provenance of the artworks created by the Warlukurlangu Artists, their paintings are highly sought after by major fine art galleries and museums around the world.
To learn more about our Central Australia Artists, please select from the list below:
Alicka Napanangka Brown
Bessie Nakamarra Sims
Christine Nakamarra Curtis
Evelyn Nampijinpa Daniels
Geraldine Napangardi Granites
Jeanie Napangardi Lewis
Joy Nangala Brown
Long Maggie Nakamarra White
Mary Napangardi Gallagher
Nicole Napaljarri Stevens
Phyllis Napurrurla Williams
Rosina Napurrurla White
Valma Nakamarra White
Vivienne Nakamarra Kelly
QUEENSLAND ARTISTS
Mainie sources artworks by contemporary Aboriginal artists from several tribal groups in North Queensland. Our North Queensland artists draw inspiration for their artwork designs from the spectacular natural beauty of the reef and rainforest environments in this region.
To learn more about our Queensland Artists, please select from the list below:
Natasha Davui
Customer Reviews
Mainie is a brand I proudly wear for so many reasons. I love that each scarf has a story and that I know with each piece funds go back to the woman that designed it. I adore the vibrancy of the colours and the high quality, I have had my scarves for many years now and they are so versatile from wearing them to do presentations or going out for lunch. I stand for empowering women and standing proud in your individuality and Mainie embodies this in every way.
Lesley Clarke
Our Mainie scarves have become an essential wardrobe component both at home and when travelling. They serve to elevate any outfit whilst also celebrating Australian First Nations culture with dignity and sophistication. The silk product is beautiful to wear and the merino wool is unbelievable soft and so warm. Lightweight, easy to pack and always commented on.
Tanya, Emily and Elizabeth
I love the Mainie Scarves, for myself and as the perfect gift. They are investment pieces that will be part of your wardrobe for life. I love travel and one or two scarves are always included in my luggage. They are perfect on the plane and for dressing up outfits. I take a Merino scarf for cooler climates and silk ones everywhere else. However, the very best part is the ethical basis of the brand. I know I support a woman artist from a First Nations community when I purchase something from Mainie. They look good and do good at the same time.
Jo Pyne
Founded by Gunggari Aboriginal woman Charmaine Saunders in 2012, Mainie is a Supply Nation certified Indigenous Australian-owned company and an Indigenous Art Code approved dealer member. We recognise the traditional custodians of the land on which we live and work, and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
We acknowledge the sorrow of the Stolen Generations and the impacts of colonisation on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We respect the resilience, strength and pride of Australia’s First Nations people and their communities. Mainie is committed to supporting Aboriginal women artists to earn an independent income from their own work and to keep alive their traditional cultural heritage for future generations.