What is an Art Market Professional and how do they support the Artist’s Resale Right?
As an artist, you’ve probably heard the term Art Market Professional (AMP) in relation to the Artist’s Resale Right (ARR). But what does it mean, who falls into this category, and why should you care?
Next year marks the 20th anniversary of the Artist’s Resale Right (ARR). This milestone offers a timely opportunity to look at the important role Artist’s Market Professionals (AMPs) play in making sure artists receive fair payment when their works are resold.
What is an Art Market Professional (AMP)?
“Art Market Professional” is a term used to describe the people and organisations involved in buying, selling, or reselling works of art. This includes:
- Galleries who represent and sell artists’ works
- Auction houses that handle sales on the secondary market
- Dealers who buy and resell artworks independently
Essentially, if someone is professionally involved in selling artworks, they are considered an AMP.
What do Art Market Professionals do?
AMPs play a vital role in the art ecosystem. They act as intermediaries between artists and buyers, helping artworks find new homes and markets, while also making sure sales are handled legally and transparently. But when it comes to the Artist’s Resale Right, their responsibilities go even further.
The Link Between AMPs and ARR
The Artist’s Resale Right (ARR) is a royalty that gives artists a percentage when their works are resold by an AMP. It ensures artists continue to benefit from the increasing value of their work overtime.
By law in the UK, AMPs are responsible for reporting and paying ARR through a collecting society like DACS. They cannot pay artists directly. This system makes sure payments are managed fairly and efficiently.
Not every sale qualifies - only resales of eligible works by living artists, or artists who have died within the last 70 years, where the artist is from the UK, EEA, or certain partner countries.
Why this matters for artists
For artists, it’s important to know:
- ARR is your right. If your work is resold through an AMP, you may be entitled to royalties.
- AMPs are legally responsible for paying ARR via a collecting society.
- Transparency is key. Understanding the role of AMPs helps you see how the market values and circulates your work.
The Artist’s Resale Right exists to make sure artists share in the success of their work as it gains value, not just the first time it sells. Art Market Professionals are more than just intermediaries - they’re a crucial part of how the Artist’s Resale Right functions. For artists, knowing who AMPs are and what they do is empowering. It ensures you can confidently navigate sales, claim your rights, and understand how the secondary art market supports and depends on your creativity.
