The Spinifex Foundation was officially launched in 2001 following the successful negotiation of the Spinifex Native Title claim with the Western Australian State Government. Although focused initially on production of Spinifex artworks and distribution of sale proceeds to artists, the Spinifex Foundation was established to attract and generate a capital base capable of providing a stable platform for a much wider range of culturally sensitive, long term community support initiatives.

Having established an effective and respectful working relationship with the WA State Premier Richard Court through the land claim negotiation process, the then premier was approached and asked to become Patron of the Spinifex Foundation. Fully supportive of the Spinifex People’s endeavours generally and enthused by the concept of a project support vehicle for pursuing special initiatives the Hon Richard Court accepted appointment as Patron of the Spinifex Foundation.