ArtistSafe Accreditation
The new, fair practice standard for artist-gallery sales
ArtistSafe Accreditation recognises galleries, consultants and art sellers who commit to transparent sales, responsible practice and timely artist payment.
Accredited galleries can display the ArtistSafe trust mark as a visible commitment to clear consignment terms, transparent sale reporting and payment to artists within agreed timeframes.
What ArtistSafe accreditation means
ArtistSafe Accreditation means a gallery has publicly committed to a fair practice standard for artist-gallery sales.
It is designed to reassure artists that the gallery takes payment terms seriously and to help collectors recognise galleries that support transparent artist relationships.
ArtistSafe Accreditation is not a guarantee of payment, legal advice or financial regulation. It is a public fair practice commitment.
When an artwork sells, the artist should know what has sold, what they are owed, and when they will be paid.
The ArtistSafe Fair Practice Commitments
To become ArtistSafe accredited, galleries and art sellers commit to the following standards.
1. Clear artist terms
Artists should be given clear information about commission, pricing, payment terms and any relevant costs before work is listed, exhibited or offered for sale.
There should be no confusion over what the artist will receive if a work sells.
2. Transparent sales reporting
When an artwork sells, the artist should be informed clearly and promptly.
The artist should be told which work sold, the sale price, the agreed commission, any agreed deductions, and the amount due to them.
3. Timely artist payment
Artists should be paid within the agreed payment period.
ArtistSafe recommends payment to artists within 30 days of cleared collector payment, unless a different written agreement is in place.
Artist payments should not be unnecessarily delayed or used as gallery cash flow.
4. Responsible handling of artwork
Artwork should be handled, stored, displayed and shipped with appropriate care.
Galleries should take reasonable steps to protect works while they are in their possession and communicate clearly about any damage, loss or condition issue.
5. Accurate pricing and commission
Artists’ work should be offered at agreed prices, and commission should be calculated transparently.
Any discounts, trade reductions or negotiated sale prices should be handled in line with the agreement between the artist and gallery.
6. Clear collector communication
Collectors should receive accurate information about the artwork they are buying, including artist name, title, medium, dimensions, price and any relevant framing or delivery details.
7. Respect for the artist relationship
Galleries should recognise the professional value of the artist relationship.
This includes communicating respectfully, honouring agreed terms and treating artists as partners in the sale, not as an afterthought.
8. Better payment practice
Where possible, galleries are encouraged to use protected payment processes, split payments or clear payment records that reduce uncertainty and improve confidence for all parties.
As ArtistSafe develops, accredited galleries may be able to use protected checkout links that split payment at source between artist, gallery and platform.
How to become accredited
Complete the gallery application form.
Confirm your agreement to the ArtistSafe Fair Practice Standard.
Pay the annual accreditation fee.
Receive your badge, website wording and gallery directory listing.
Display the accreditation on your website, artist submissions page or sales materials.
Once accredited
Accredited galleries may use the following wording on their websites and display the ArtistSafe Trust Mark badge:
“[Gallery Name] is ArtistSafe Fair Practice Accredited. This means we have committed to clear consignment terms, transparent sale reporting and artist payment within 30 days of cleared collector funds.”
Apply for ArtistSafe accreditation
If you are a gallery, consultant or art seller committed to fair practice, you can apply to become ArtistSafe accredited.
Become a founding ArtistSafe gallery
ArtistSafe Fair Practice Accreditation is for galleries, consultants and art sellers who want to show artists they are committed to clear terms, transparent sale reporting and timely payment.
Founding galleries receive:
Use of the ArtistSafe trust mark
A listing in the accredited gallery directory
Recognition as an early supporter of fair artist payment standards
Website wording to help explain the accreditation
Social media announcement
Early access to future ArtistSafe tools
Accreditation is valid for one year.