Living Legacies (LivLegs) is a French-Australian research collaboration centered on the exceptional Indigenous art collections assembled in Arnhem Land by Czech-born French artist Karel Kupka (1918-1993) during the 1950s-60s. The project works directly with descendants of Indigenous artists and local art and cultural centres to document these artworks and co-design a culturally responsive digital archive. Developed in partnership with concerned communities – starting with Milingimbi Art & Culture Centre and Maningrida Arts & Culture – this ambitious archive aims to meet local needs while ensuring culturally appropriate access for communities and the broader public.
Karel Kupka, East Sydney Technical College exhibition, Sydney, 1956 Credits: Sydney Morning Herald/ ODSAS
Rooted in community consultation, museum work, and Indigenous data governance, LivLegs integrates Indigenous Knowledges, anthropology, data science, art history, and museology. By prioritising community-led access and partnering with local art, culture and language centres, it aims to support cultural transmission and contemporary artistic practice, while advancing global standards for ethical data sharing. The cooperation enables knowledge sharing about heritage collections between Indigenous custodians, institutions, visitors, researchers, and the broader public.
Karel Kupka and artist Djäwa (Gupapuyŋu Ḏaygurrgurr clan), Milingimbi, c.1960 Credits: ODSAS
