Request to license a work
Set up a new image licensing agreement through us – we have a direct connection with artists and their estates, and access to over 100,000 copyright holders. We also supply high-resolution image files of modern and contemporary artwork by over 350 artists through DACS Images, all artist reviewed ready for licensing.
DACS' role as a licensing broker
We represent artists in the UK and overseas, through our partnerships in over 30 countries. Our team of licensing experts can help clear the rights you need, no matter how complex your project or how many artists it involves. We:
- give you access to some of the world's most popular artists
- explain the requirements of the law in plain English
- guide you through the licensing process
- seek all the permissions required to grant a licence
- suggest alternative artists if we are unable to obtain permission
- can provide image files for a number of artists
How to make a licensing or image request
DACS will broker the agreement with the artist, creator, their estate or another copyright holder. You’ll request the image file from a reputable source once you have received the licence from us (we advise checking the image is available before requesting a licence). Or you can choose an image from DACS Images and we can provide both the licence and an image file.
1. Use our artist search to check if we represent the artist or rightsholder.
2. Use our licensing request form or speak to our team on +44 (0) 20 7780 7550 about sourcing specific images.
3. We provide a quote and let you know how long it may take. Some copyright owners ask to be consulted, and may only allow use according to the situation. Get an idea of the costs to license a work through DACS
4. We’ll set up a licensing agreement for you. We keep in touch with you throughout the process, negotiate with the copyright holder on your behalf, and do our best to fit your timescales.
5. You then contact the copyright holder to request the high-resolution image file for the artwork(s) you have licensed through DACS. Or we can supply the high-resolution image file if we have it.
Costs for licensing and image files
Get an idea of the cost range for your licensing request, excluding VAT.
We can supply high-resolution image files for over 350 artists through DACS Images.
Book publishing
Licensing costs
- Print run of up to 3,000, (English only), editorial: £112, cover: £334
- Print run up to 50,000 (English Only), editorial: £248, cover: £739
- Print and digital, print run of 3,000 plus, from editorial: £165, cover: £391
Licensing + image file costs
- Print run of up to 3,000 (English only), editorial: £187
Academic books
Licensing costs
- Small print run of up to 500, editorial: £32, cover: £141
- Small print run of up to 500 plus digital version, editorial: £52, cover: £171
- Larger print run of 3,001 to 4000, editorial: £82, cover: £250
- Larger print run of 3,001 to 4000 plus digital version, editorial: £132, cover: £310
Licensing + image file costs
- Print run of up to 500 plus digital version, editorial: £100
See example costs for various different reproduction purposes
Licensing outside of the UK
We’re part of an international network of collecting societies in 32 countries. This means that we can represent artists from these countries, issuing licences for their work by UK customers.
If your invoice addressed is based outside the UK, and you’re not getting the image file from us, you would need to contact the relevant collecting society in your country.
Our sister societies will organise the licence in the country's language and time zone, and the licence can be issued under that country's laws. For example, a magazine in Tokyo would contact our Japanese sister society to request a licence, even if the artist is from the UK.
If you just require the image but are based outside the UK, do contact us and we will be able to help.
Need help?
If you cannot find an image
If the image you’re looking for is not returned in our image search, ask us about it – we may be able to help source specific images. Use our licensing request form or speak to our team on +44 (0)20 7780 7550.