Why do we need to license art?
While you may own an artwork, the artist retains the rights to the image for promotional purposes. When works of art are sold on the secondary market, auction houses need image rights to promote their sale. The Auction House Licensing scheme is about respecting and recognising the essential contribution that artists make to the arts eco-system.
How does the Auction House Licensing scheme work?
The Auction House Licensing scheme aligns Aotearoa New Zealand with over 80 dedicated agencies operating in over 60 countries, including Australia, Canada, the USA and most of Europe, and ensures that auction houses comply with national and international copyright law.
Copyright Licensing New Zealand (CLNZ) collects fees from licensed auction houses in New Zealand. The auction house collects the licence fee when an artist’s work is used in promotional material, CLNZ then distribute that to the artist less an admin fee.
The auction houses that are signed-up to the scheme are Art+Object, International Art Centre, Webb's and Dunbar Sloane. Collectively, they are playing an essential role in making sure artists are remunerated fairly.
Do the right thing for Aotearoa New Zealand creatives
Copyright Licensing New Zealand is a not-for-profit organisation that has been partnering with authors and publishers for over 25 years, making copyright licences easy for owners and users. Now, we offer the same support and management services to Aotearoa New Zealand’s artists and art lovers. With a blanket Auction House Licensing scheme, we’re making it easier for everyone to do the right thing for Aotearoa New Zealand’s artists. Please support the auction houses to support artists.
If you're an artist, find out more about the Auction House Licensing scheme here.
