A veteran Aboriginal art centre boss allegedly exploited the artists he represented in a remote far north Queensland community.
Brett Evans is accused of carrying out deceptive art deals while chief executive of the Mornington Island art centre between 2011 and 2014.
He was charged with 35 counts of dishonesty following an investigation by the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporation.
'Exploitation of Indigenous artists is a chronic blight on the art industry," Registrar Selwyn Button said on Friday.
"Commonly it's middlemen 'carpetbaggers' with no strings attached taking advantage of the vulnerable.
"In this case the law has finally caught up with a person from within, now formally accused of abusing trust and loyalty."
Mr Evans started work with the Mirndiyan Gununa Aboriginal Corporation in the Gulf of Carpentaria in 1990.
Over 24 years he developed significant industry knowledge and forged relationships with artists, galleries and collectors, an ORIC spokeswoman said.
It is alleged he used his position and relationships to carry out misleading deals that benefited him personally.
These included sales of artwork by deceased Kaiadilt woman Sally Gabori.
Her colourful and expressive abstract paintings are held in numerous Australian and international collections.
Mr Button urged indigenous artists to protect themselves by ensuring their managers' record-keeping was up to scratch.
A birds eye view of the delta looking west from the Karumba township in the Gulf of Carpentaria, in Far North Queensland. Source: Moment Open
"The paper story of decisions made can answer a lot of questions and safeguard corporations from trouble makers," he said.
"Your culture and story are not a commodity for others to exploit."
Mr Evans is due to appear in the Mornington Island Magistrates Court on July 14.
