Split Payments

Split payments for art sales is in development

The artist’s share should not become gallery cashflow

In a traditional gallery sale, the buyer often pays the full amount to the gallery. The artist is then paid later, after commission, deductions and administration have been processed.

ArtistSafe is exploring a different model.

The buyer still makes one simple payment, but the artist share, gallery commission and platform fee are separated from the beginning.
This helps create a cleaner, fairer payment workflow for everyone involved.

Split payments for artist-gallery sales

ArtistSafe is developing a split payment tool for artwork sales, designed to route the buyer’s payment between the artist, gallery and ArtistSafe platform fee at the point of sale.

Instead of the full sale amount being paid into the gallery’s account first, the artist’s share would be separated from the start and paid directly to the artist.

This means the artist payment does not become part of gallery cashflow, reducing delays, uncertainty and the need for artists to chase payment after a sale.

This feature is currently in development.

Artists and galleries can register interest to help shape the beta.

*The figures here are for illustration purposes only

How it would work

  • A buyer purchases an artwork through an ArtistSafe payment link or checkout.

  • The payment is split between the artist, gallery and ArtistSafe platform fee.

  • The artist is notified immediately that the work has sold.

  • The artist receives their share directly, without waiting for the gallery to manually process payment.

  • The gallery receives its commission clearly and separately.

Why this matters for artists

For artists, delayed payment can create uncertainty, stress and financial pressure.

ArtistSafe Split Payments are being developed so artists can:

  • be notified immediately when a work sells

  • see the sale amount and payment breakdown clearly

  • receive their share sooner

  • avoid chasing galleries for payment

  • know their payment has not become part of gallery cashflow

  • feel more confident consigning work through galleries

Why this matters for galleries

Split payments are not just better for artists. They can also support galleries.

For galleries, the aim is to create:

  • cleaner sale records

  • clearer commission reporting

  • less manual payment admin

  • reduced risk of falling behind on artist payments

  • more transparent artist relationships

  • greater trust from artists and collectors

  • potentially simpler accounting and VAT treatment, depending on the gallery’s structure and professional advice