Supporting Emerging Artists: Copyright Agency’s Role in the Co-Opt Club™ x Cotton On Collaboration
April 23, 2025
The Co-Opt Club™ is a groundbreaking initiative launched by Cotton On, in partnership with Universal Music Group, to empower emerging Australian visual artists by merging fashion and creativity. At the heart of this project lies a mission to foster ethical collaborations between artists and brands—an area where Copyright Agency plays a pivotal role.
Empowering Artists Through Ethical Licensing
To uphold best practices in licensing, Cotton On partnered with Copyright Agency to ensure that visual artists participating in the Co-Opt Club™ were fairly represented, their rights safeguarded, and their contributions respected throughout the creative process. From contract negotiation to copyright protection and artist representation, Copyright Agency’s involvement was instrumental in setting a benchmark for responsible artist-brand collaborations.
“Copyright Agency is proud to have represented the artists in the recent collaboration with Cotton On,” says Arlette Martin, Visual Arts Business Development Manager at Copyright Agency. “Throughout the process, Cotton On ensured that the artists were fully involved in every step of the project. This collaboration was built on a foundation of respect and transparency, with ample time given to the artists for design consideration and the approval process.”
This collaboration reflects Copyright Agency’s commitment to strengthening the creative sector by advocating for fair compensation, cultural sensitivity, and sustainable creative partnerships, particularly across remote and regional communities.
The Artists Behind the Collection
The debut Co-Opt Club™ collection features the work of two exceptional First Nations artists:
- Bianca Simpson, a proud Punmu artist whose vibrant paintings are deeply influenced by the sacred waterholes and landscapes of her ancestral Country. Having been mentored by her grandmother, one of the founding members of Martumili Artists, Bianca continues to create, connect, and exhibit her work through the collective.
“I love painting about sand dunes, springs, waterholes and clay pans. It means a lot to me; it helps me look after my Country.” – Bianca Simpson
- Tylah Saunders, a Gunditijmara artist, draws inspiration from the ocean and coastal landscapes of South Australia. His contemporary designs express a powerful connection to self, culture, and home, infusing the menswear line with dynamic storytelling and bold color contrasts.
“Art has always been a way for me to connect with my culture, it’s a tether to country no matter where I am. Knowing that people from all walks of life will be learning about my culture when they’re wearing these clothes excites me. It makes me feel really, really proud” – Tylah Saunders
A Global Platform for Cultural Expression
The Cotton On x Co-Opt Club™ collection, spanning 31 pieces across menswear and womenswear, is now available in stores and online globally. It showcases original artworks created in close collaboration with Cotton On’s in-house product designers, amplifying First Nations voices and sharing their stories through wearable art.
In addition, both Bianca and Tylah contributed to the design of an exclusive Cotton On Foundation Tote, with 100% of proceeds supporting youth empowerment initiatives. In Australia, this includes partnerships with First Nations-led and -owned organisations focused on self-determined futures.
A Model for Future Collaborations
This project exemplifies how copyright licensing—when done ethically and collaboratively—can elevate artistic voices, promote cultural understanding, and create economic opportunities for artists. By partnering with Copyright Agency, Cotton On ensured a process where respect, rights, and representation came first, setting a strong precedent for future initiatives in the Australian creative landscape.
Credit:
Photos of Bianca Simpson and Tylah Saunders, courtesy of Cotton On.