Howard Morphy and David Throsby (Macquarie University) (Primary investigators), Marianne Riphagen (research fellow), Katya Petetskaya (Macquarie University) (Senior research assistant)

ARC Discovery Grant DP120101387 2012-2015

This research project examines the potential for Aboriginal cultural heritage to contribute to the development of regional economies in remote parts of Australia. Bringing together the disciplines of anthropology and economics, it represents a detailed study of the interconnections between the arts and crafts industry, cultural tourism, and regional economic development. The point of departure for this project is that forms of Aboriginal tangible and intangible heritage - including arts and crafts products, cultural knowledge, and cultural practices and ideas - constitute assets that can be used by local communities to advance their wellbeing and position within the wider economy. Researchers work in two locations: Eastern Arnhem Land and the Western Desert.