Artists’ Collecting Society was set up in 2006 as a not-for-profit company dedicated to the administration of Artist’s Resale Right.

By providing you with an alternative collecting society, ACS is responsible for ensuring that ARR administration charges remain competitive and that artists are offered a choice of collecting society.

Why we are good for the Artistic Community

  • ACS is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company, which means that all income in excess of our operating costs has to be retained within the company and used for the benefit of our members and the wider artistic community.
  • For more information on the specific artistic projects we are currently supporting, please see our news section.

Why we are good for Artists

  • ACS is the premier collecting society in the UK. We have the systems and contacts necessary for tracking sales efficiently and accurately, and provide artists with the best possible service.
  • Once you have mandated ACS to collect your ARR, we take on the entire administrative burden of tracing sales and pursuing fees owed to you.
  • ACS works with artists on an individual basis and we are known for our personal and professional service and friendly manner. We always welcome your questions and suggestions.

Is there a Catch?

  • There is no fee to join ACS and no membership fee. We simply deduct a 15% commission from each royalty we collect to cover our administrative costs.
  • Joining is simple. We require our members to sign a mandate and complete a basic registration form.
  • You can resign from ACS at any time by giving three months notice in writing.

How you can benefit from ACS’s contact with The Bridgeman Art Library 

  • The Bridgeman Art Library is a picture library specialising in fine art images.
  • If you place photographs of your work in the archive, The Bridgeman Art Library will promote them worldwide. When any of your images are reproduced, you will earn additional revenue from reproduction and copyright licensing.
  • Many artists appreciate the one-stop-shop aspect of the ACS/Bridgeman contact because it means that all of their intellectual property rights can be taken care of.
  • Please click here for more information on services that The Bridgeman Art Library has to offer.

Is my work eligible for ARR?

  • ARR applies to most copyright works including paintings, drawings, engravings, lithographs, photographs, collages, tapestries and some works in glass and ceramics.
  • Copies of works of art are not eligible unless the copy is one of a limited number which has been created by the author or under his or her authority.

What happens when I die?

  • In the UK, ARR can be exercised by living artists and from 1st January 2012, Artist Estates.
  • On his or her death an artist’s ARR is held by the artist’s personal representatives while the estate is in administration. On completion of the administration, the artist’s ARR belongs to the beneficiary entitled to it.
  • ACS have collected royalties in many European countries where sales of works by deceased artists were already eligible for ARR.
  • To join ACS as a beneficiary, personal representative or trustee of a deceased artist please click here.
  • Please see Artists’ Beneficiaries for more information
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