Privacy Policy

Australia China Art Residency (ACAR)

Last updated: 11 September 2025

1. Introduction

Australia China Art Residency Ltd ("ACAR", "we", "us", or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy and personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information when you visit our website or interact with our services.

ACAR is a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission (ACNC) and is bound by the Australian Privacy Principles under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We may collect the following types of personal information:

Contact Information:

  • Name and professional title

  • Email address

  • Phone number

  • Postal address

  • Country of residence

Professional Information:

  • Artistic practice and medium

  • Educational background

  • Professional experience

  • Portfolio materials and artwork images

  • CV and biographical information

  • Previous exhibitions and achievements

Application Information:

  • Application forms and supporting documents

  • Artist statements and project proposals

  • Letters of recommendation

  • Academic transcripts (where applicable)

Website Usage Information:

  • IP address

  • Browser type and version

  • Pages visited and time spent

  • Referring websites

  • Device and operating system information

2.2 How We Collect Information

We collect personal information through:

  • Our website contact forms

  • Email communications

  • Program applications (residencies, art prizes)

  • Event registrations

  • Newsletter subscriptions

  • Social media interactions

  • Third-party referrals

3. How We Use Your Information

3.1 Primary Purposes

We use your personal information to:

  • Process applications for residencies and art prizes

  • Communicate about our programs and services

  • Provide updates on opportunities and events

  • Maintain alumni and participant networks

  • Facilitate cultural exchange programs

  • Organize exhibitions and events

3.2 Secondary Purposes

We may also use your information to:

  • Improve our website and services

  • Send newsletters and program updates (with consent)

  • Conduct research and evaluation of our programs

  • Comply with legal obligations

  • Promote our programs and showcase participant achievements

3.3 Marketing and Communications

With your consent, we may use your contact information to:

  • Send newsletters about opportunities and events

  • Notify you of relevant programs and partnerships

  • Share success stories and alumni achievements

  • Invite you to ACAR events and exhibitions

You can unsubscribe from marketing communications at any time using the unsubscribe link in emails or by contacting us directly.

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

4.1 When We Share Information

We may share your personal information with:

Partner Institutions:

  • Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA), Beijing

  • National Art School, Sydney

  • Other educational and cultural institutions as relevant to specific programs

Service Providers:

  • Website hosting and technical support providers

  • Email marketing platforms

  • Event management services

  • Professional advisors (legal, financial, technical)

Advisory Committee:

  • Information relevant to program evaluation and development

  • De-identified information for statistical purposes

4.2 Public Information

With your consent, we may publicly share:

  • Your name and biographical information in promotional materials

  • Artwork images and project descriptions

  • Success stories and program outcomes

  • Exhibition and event participation

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose personal information if required by law or to:

  • Comply with legal processes

  • Protect our rights and property

  • Ensure safety and security

  • Prevent fraud or illegal activities

5. International Transfers

Given our Australia-China cultural exchange focus, your personal information may be transferred to and stored in:

  • China (for participants in China-based programs)

  • Australia (for participants in Australia-based programs)

  • Other countries where our service providers are located

We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for international transfers and comply with applicable privacy laws.

6. Data Security

6.1 Security Measures

We protect your personal information through:

  • Secure website encryption (SSL)

  • Password-protected systems

  • Limited access to personal information

  • Regular security updates and monitoring

  • Secure storage of physical documents

6.2 Data Retention

We retain personal information for as long as necessary to:

  • Fulfill the purposes for which it was collected

  • Comply with legal obligations

  • Maintain alumni and participant networks

  • Evaluate program effectiveness

Generally, we retain:

  • Application materials: 7 years

  • Participant records: Indefinitely (for alumni network)

  • Website analytics: 2 years

  • Marketing communications: Until you unsubscribe

7. Your Privacy Rights

7.1 Access and Correction

You have the right to:

  • Request access to your personal information

  • Correct inaccurate or outdated information

  • Update your contact preferences

  • Request information about how your data is used

7.2 Withdrawal of Consent

You may:

  • Unsubscribe from marketing communications

  • Withdraw consent for specific uses of your information

  • Request removal from our databases (subject to legal obligations)

7.3 Complaints

If you have concerns about how we handle your personal information, you can:

  • Contact our Privacy Officer (details below)

  • Lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)

8. Cookies and Website Analytics

8.1 Cookies

Our website may use cookies to:

  • Remember your preferences

  • Analyze website usage

  • Improve user experience

  • Enable certain website functions

You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences.

8.2 Analytics

We use website analytics services to understand how visitors use our site. This helps us improve our content and user experience. Analytics data is typically anonymized and aggregated.

9. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of external sites. We recommend reviewing the privacy policies of any third-party websites you visit.

10. Children's Privacy

Our services are intended for adults and professionals in the arts sector. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18 without appropriate consent.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will:

  • Post updated versions on our website

  • Notify you of significant changes via email (where possible)

  • Include the date of last update

Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Contact Information

Privacy Officer

For privacy-related inquiries, requests, or complaints:

Australia China Art Residency (ACAR) Email: privacy@acar.org.au General Email: info@acar.org.au Website: [www.acar.org.au]

Other Contacts

  • General Inquiries: info@acar.org.au

  • Program Information: residency@acar.org.au

  • Art Prize Inquiries: artprize@acar.org.au

External Complaints

If you are not satisfied with our response to your privacy complaint, you may contact:

Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) Website: www.oaic.gov.au Phone: 1300 363 992 Email: enquiries@oaic.gov.au

Australia China Art Residency Ltd
ABN: 85 680 687 352
Registered Charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission