Partnering with Aboriginal Artists for Custom Merchandise

Creating meaningful branded merchandise is about more than just logos and colours — it’s about stories, values, and connection. At Cubic Promote, we’re proud to offer a service that allows businesses and government organisations to collaborate with Aboriginal artists to design original artwork for promotional products, apparel, and corporate gifts.

This initiative provides a powerful way for clients to honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures while producing distinctive merchandise that aligns with diversity and inclusion goals, including Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs).

What This Service Offers

Through Cubic Promote’s network of Aboriginal artists, organisations can commission authentic, original artworks for incorporation into a wide range of branded items — from footballs and shirts to notebooks, drink bottles, and more.

Each artwork is created specifically for the client’s project, ensuring the design reflects both the artist’s story and the organisation’s message. Once complete, the artwork is applied to merchandise using professional branding methods such as digital printing, sublimation, or embroidery, depending on the product type.

This collaboration transforms ordinary items into culturally rich, conversation-starting pieces that carry genuine meaning and artistic integrity.

How the Process Works

1. Initial Consultation: Clients discuss their project goals, preferred products, and themes they’d like to represent.
2. Artist Match: Cubic Promote introduces artists from our Aboriginal art network who are open to collaboration.
3. Artwork Creation: The artist develops an original piece, guided by the client’s brief while maintaining full creative expression.
4. Approval and Production: Once approved, the artwork is integrated into selected merchandise items, and production begins.
5. Delivery and Acknowledgment: Finished products are delivered along with clear artist credits and usage permissions.

This process ensures transparency, authenticity, and a smooth experience for all parties involved.

Example Artist Collaboration: Julianne Wade (Whadjuk Artist)

One of our network artists is Julianne Wade, a talented Whadjuk Nyungar artist based in Perth, Western Australia. Born in Subiaco and raised in Ngaruawahia, New Zealand, Julianne draws from both her Whadjuk and Tainui heritage to create art that retells personal and cultural stories for future generations.

Julianne’s work blends traditional influences with contemporary expression — a perfect fit for clients who want their merchandise to represent unity, identity, and respect. Her vibrant artwork has been featured on promotional items such as apparel, notebooks, and drink bottles, each piece telling a story that connects people through shared values and creativity.

Respecting Culture and Licensing

Cubic Promote is committed to ensuring that every collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists is conducted with respect, transparency, and proper licensing.

We ensure that:

1. Artists are fairly compensated for their work and retain appropriate rights.
2. Each product includes artist credit and, where relevant, a short description of the artwork’s meaning.
3. Designs are used only under agreed licensing terms, preventing unauthorised reproduction.
4. Clients receive guidance on cultural protocols and respectful presentation.

By prioritising these practices, we help clients celebrate culture while supporting genuine artist partnerships

Why Corporate and Government Buyers Choose This Service

For organisations with Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs) or diversity procurement goals, this initiative offers an accessible way to embed cultural awareness into branded merchandise.

Benefits include:

1. Demonstrating visible support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
2. Creating unique, story-rich merchandise that stands apart from mass-produced designs
3. Building stronger emotional connections with employees, partners, and communities
4. Aligning corporate gifts and uniforms with organisational values

Whether it’s for internal programs, community events, or national campaigns, custom merchandise featuring Aboriginal artwork makes a lasting impact.

Product Possibilities

Cubic Promote can apply commissioned Aboriginal artwork across a variety of merchandise categories:

1. Apparel: Polo shirts, T-shirts, hoodies, uniforms
2. Sports Gear: Footballs, water bottles, sports bags
3. Office Items: Notebooks, pens, calendars, desk accessories
4. Event Merchandise: Banners, tote bags, lanyards, caps

Each piece can be designed to reflect your organisation’s goals while showcasing authentic Indigenous art in a professional, respectful way.

Partner with Cubic Promote

If your organisation is seeking to create branded merchandise that celebrates culture, community, and creativity, Cubic Promote can help make it happen.

Contact our team to discuss how we can connect you with talented Aboriginal artists like Julianne Wade and produce merchandise that tells a story worth sharing.

→ Start your collaboration today.