Known formally as an elective sale royalty, the model is structured as a bilateral opt-in: consignors participate on a fully voluntary basis via auction consignment of eligible works; artists participate by registering for the program with Bonhams, and royalty award payments on eligible works are paid directly to the artist. Artists and consignors are invited to learn more and register at www.Bonhams.com/TheDeansChoice.

The collaboration pairs Bonhams’ auction infrastructure and specialist expertise with the cultural leadership of The Dean Collection, widely known for championing living artists. The collaboration reflects an ambition shared by Bonhams and The Dean Collection: to build deeper relationships between artists, collectors, and institutions, and to ensure that market success contributes meaningfully to artistic careers over time.

“Bonhams is the first auction house to enable living artists to benefit from the secondary market for their own work, and we’re proud to lead here,” said Seth Johnson, Bonhams’ Chief Executive Officer. “For centuries the saleroom has been where value is recognized. The Deans’ Choice with Bonhams extends that recognition to the artists themselves – not as a gesture, but as a working part of how we sell. We believe this is where the market is heading, and we intend to help take it there.”

“The inspiration behind The Deans’ Choice came when we realized that living visual artists weren’t participating in the re-sale of their works at auction or secondary market. In music, when we write a song, we receive royalties for the life of the song, a long-term benefit for us and our families. We introduced a game-changing idea to Bonhams and they immediately understood the vision and were eager to partner in bringing it to life,” said Kasseem and Alicia Dean, Founders of The Dean Collection.

“Our department works closely with artists and the collectors who champion them, and The Deans’ Choice with Bonhams gives sellers a meaningful way to recognize an artist’s continuing role in the value of their body of work,” said Andrew Huber, U.S. Head of 20th/21st Century Art, Bonhams.

The Deans’ Choice with Bonhams is one of the culturally meaningful initiatives marking a new chapter for Bonhams as it settles into its New York home at Steinway Hall, 111 West 57th Street. With its public galleries, rotating exhibitions, and schedule of events, the landmark building reflects the ambition of the initiative: to open the house to artists, collectors, and the culturally curious alike.

Source: Bonhams