The Northern Territory arts minister has called for an independent investigation into allegations of concerning practices in the First Nations art industry.

Chansey Paech has written to his South Australian counterpart, Andrea Michaels, and federal arts minister Tony Burke calling for their cooperation to address a scandal engulfing the APY Art Centre Collective (APY ACC), which represents more than 500 Anangu artists over the APY Lands region of Central Australia.

The minister wants to meet with his interstate and federal counterparts to discuss allegations of interference in First Nations art as some centres report a major drop in sales.

In April, The Australian newspaper alleged non-Indigenous arts workers at the APY (Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara) Art Centre Collective in South Australia had painted parts of works by Aboriginal artists.

Footage secretly obtained by newspaper was then released that allegedly showed a non-Indigenous assistant making creative decisions and painting on the canvas of renowned First Nations artist Yaritji Young's depiction of the Tjukurpa - the spiritual and sacred law that governs culture.

The footage was taken at the Tjala Art Centre, in South Australia's far north, which is part of the APY ACC. The studio has denied allegations that any of their artists were compromised.

In the letter to his counterparts, Mr Paech, the member for Gwoja, said national art institutions need to take the allegations seriously as the controversy was causing "reputational damage" to the First Nations "art movement [which] enriches our nation, culturally and economically".

"It showcases the longest-surviving culture to the rest of the world and preserves important stories and practices," he wrote.

"The integrity of the works, art centres and artists is paramount."

Mr Paech also called on the country's national art institutions to postpone exhibitions and award ceremonies involving First Nations artists until the issue was thoroughly probed.

Since the allegations against the APY ACC were raised, the National Gallery of Australia announced an independent review of 28 First Nations paintings set to be featured in a highly-publicised exhibition of APY Lands artists in June.

The Ngura Pulka - Epic Country exhibition has since been postponed while the review is ongoing.

The Australia Council's director of First Nations arts and culture has also expressed concern for artists in light of the allegations against the APY Art Centre.

In a briefing about the First Nations pillar of the federal government's national cultural policy, executive director Franchesca Cubillo last Wednesday said questions of authenticity and self determination must be taken seriously and investigated.

"Any investigation in this matter should be independent and ensure that a safe space is created for others to bring forward and speak openly about their concerns," she said.

As part of the national cultural policy, the Australia Council will be re-named Creative Australia from July 2023, with a First Nations board to be appointed by July 2024.