Artist and estate archives
The official record of an artist's work, kept by those who know it best.
For African artists, estates and foundations: catalogue the artist's works, decide what's public, and confirm works for collectors. A confirmed work's Art Passport shows your archive's name and catalogue number.
How it works
Built for the people who know the work.
1. Apply and be verified
The artist, the estate’s executor or heirs, or an authorised foundation applies. We check who you are and your right to speak for the artist before anything is published.
2. Build the catalogue
Record each work with images, dates, medium, dimensions, editions, exhibitions and literature. Every entry gets a catalogue number. Keep private notes, and choose what’s public.
3. Confirm works for collectors
Collectors ask through the work’s Art Passport. You confirm it against your catalogue, ask for more, or decline. Only confirmations appear on the passport.
For the artist’s legacy
A record that outlives any one gallery or dealer, and helps keep forgeries and misattributed works out of the market.
For collectors
A confirmation from the people best placed to give it, attached to the work’s sealed, verifiable passport.
Free during the pilot
We’re opening the programme with a small group of artists and estates. No fees during the pilot.
Archives
The first archives are opening soon
We’re working with our first artists and estates. If you represent an artist or estate and would like to be part of the pilot, apply here.