Rock art conservation requires a holistic approach, and continual maintenance. It is not simply a matter of using science to understand processes that affect the art directly, but must also consider important social, cultural and tourism concerns. These aspects need to be dovetailed so that information obtained in one study can be disseminated to every component of the conservation process. This idea underpins the ‘Rock Art Protection Research Program’, which began in 2011 and is committed to the following: (1) direction by, and involvement of, Indigenous owners and local communities; (2) intellectual property rights and protocols for documentation; (3) ethics and standards for conservation practice; (4) ongoing communication and collaboration; (5) raising public and political awareness; (6) creating effective rock art management systems; (7) training and supporting conservation practice; and (8) realising community benefits. The overall aim of the research program is to collaboratively develop new, innovative ways to conserve and manage the rock art of northern Australia and beyond, with, and for the benefit of, Indigenous peoples and local communities. In the process, new knowledge about rock art and its conservation will be obtained and Indigenous communities will be empowered.