The SAM Platform 

SAM is an online artwork management system built specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) art centres. The platform allows for the cataloguing of artwork, artists and products and is a Point-of-Sale system that links to artist payments.

Currently 107 organisations use the platform with over 350 staff using SAM for their everyday work in their ATSI art centre.

Desart owns and manages the platform on behalf of art centres nationally. This is a project that extends beyond Desart’s membership into Torres Strait Islands, Arnhem Land, the Kimberley and even Victoria!

Why we need to rebuild the platform

The platform was developed in 2011 and is now considered old technology. We need to future proof the system by meeting modern interface design standards and backend technology.

We have developed a list of requirements that are drawn from art centre feedback and technical / design reviews of SAM.

The Rebuild

In 2021 Desart engaged a design company to review SAM. Based on feedback from the SAM Community along with co-design workshops facilitated by the design company, a set of recommendations were developed for a future SAM Rebuild.

Based on these recommendations the Federal Government has funded a rebuild of SAM to support strong art centre business now and for future generations.

Design company

Desart have partnered with Symplicit to co-design and develop the new version of SAM. They are experts in design and have worked on many successful projects over the past 20 years.

Good Design Award Winner 2024

The NEW SAM Platform has been recognised for exceptional design and innovation by Good Design Australia. The new SAM has received awards for:

• Digital Design, Interface Design – Art Management Software
• Social Impact – Inclusive design with Indigenous art centres

SAM digital design supports the future of strong art centre business on Country. These awards are testament to a SAM that has been built for art centres, by art centres.

Update: March 2026

The NEW SAM Platform has been successfully piloted by Arlpwe Art & Cultural Centre, Ernabella Arts Inc., and Kaltjiti Arts. This milestone marks an exciting step forward, with the first group of art centres now using the NEW SAM to support strong art centre business on Country.

All art centres have now been placed in groups and have begun training in the NEW SAM, with the full rollout on track for early May 2026.

The SAM Rebuild reflects the strong partnership with Desart and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts sector. It is the only platform designed for and by art centres.