About Art Code

Art Code is an art registration service which documents an artwork’s existence through a unique identification number.  It is physically attached to the artwork like a car VIN number or a book ISBN number.   

As well, it is possible for the current owner to store documents and images related to the artwork privately and confidentially on the Cloud.  These can be edited, added to or deleted but can only be accessed or printed using a secure log in.

Art Code allows for transference of ownership from an artist certifying his or her artwork, through galleries and agent representation, and on to the collector.

Each owner can add or delete specific documents or images.  Each can make an editorial contribution and add to the history of the artwork.  

Ultimately, Art Code can help facilitate evidence, security, substance and value:  editorial is the enemy of the fraudster.  

Cataloguing

Art Code documentation is privately stored in a secure cloud location only accessible to the current owner.  

Details that can be stored for each artwork (as images, or documents in PDF format) can include:

• Art Code ID (a complex unique number allocated by Art Code)
• artist statement
• work specifications
• photographs of the work
• proof of purchase 
• insurance certificate and
• other documentation can also be secured to the record.

While each artwork is assigned a complex unique identity code that is physically attached to the artwork, there are three optional methods of physical identification:

• Standard Art Code ID – the random unique number allocated by Art Code, like a passport ID.
• Optional Barcode – the barcode can be printed and attached to the artwork.
• Optional QR code – when scanned will take you directly to the general access record. This is excellent for exhibitions as the artist statement and other ‘general’ details can be seen without logging into the system.
• Optional Microtechnology – your unique Art Code would be embedded in data dots which are held on an adhesive patch. The code is undetectable by the naked eye. It is near impossible to remove or obscure the data dots. This adds an additional 4th level of security and identification to your artwork.  

Transactions

When an artwork changes ownership, either the owner or the seller can log the transaction in Art Code (similar to transferring ownership of a car).

Art Code can track your inventory of owned or consigned works with detailed records  and it can provide evidence of prices and inventory for transactions where required.

The following data is automatically stored:

• the Art Code ID
• the seller member email
• the buyer member email
• the date of the transaction

Artwork Documentation

Registered Owners are able to view and print for any artwork:

• the public catalogued documentation (image, artist and any desired public information)
• the full catalogued documentation for any artwork relating to them (not others in the chain)
• ownership history

Certification

• Records and accompanying documentation that belong to the artwork are only stored on the Cloud.

Art Code Benefits 

Certification and Transaction Benefits

• Stores your documents to provide evidence of the art’s value and authenticity.
• Produces an inventory of art assets.
• Creates an online fine art portfolio.
• Creates schedules for insurance purposes, finance and estate planning.
• Captures provenance and tracks transfer of ownership.
• Tracks inventory of owned or consigned works with detailed records.
• Provides evidence of prices and inventory for transactions if and where required.
• Provides provenance for future owners with the inclusion of your name (if you wish) in the “History”

Security Benefits

• Provides access to secure, off-site records online.
• Discourages theft.
• Discourages fraud.

Sales Benefits

• Art Code Registered art is likely to inspire confidence and comfort amongst potential buyers.
• Enhances value, increases cachet.
• Prints a distinctive certificate of ownership with a 3″ x 3″ price card showing registration.
• Presents with a certificate of ownership attached to the back of the work. 
•  Provides new owner with the transfered benefits of Art Code Registration.

Insurance Benefits

 Does your collection have insurance covered for its value?

• If fire destroyed your fine art originals and prints, most insurance companies will not pay the current value but an amount closer to the cost of raw materials – unless you could prove the higher value. Yet the disaster that took your art could easily claim your paper receipts or other documentation as well. 
• Register your fine art with Art Code:  Art Code Title Registry records the documents relating to your ownership in the case of art loss, and remains safe, secure and available offsite, on the Cloud, accessible from any computer.
• Your offsite, online records can include photos and supporting documents such as invoices, to permanently capture details of ownership, provenance, financial and asset statements, insurances rates and claims.
• Art Code is a security cataloging and certification system, which can give you proof of ownership and security for your valuable art collection. 

WHAT ART CODE DOES NOT DO

• Offer a sales function.  All transactions are strictly between buyer and seller.
• Store prices in the Art Code database though these can be stored by a member as a scanned invoice. 
• Mandate the owner’s personal details. The use of registered owners’ names, contact and location details are optional. All that is required is a valid email address.  This confidentiality function adds to the security of the service.

DISCLAIMER

• The registration is designed to be used as a personal database for collectors, galleries, museums and originating artists to organize and track the works of art in their collection or consigned works.
• An Art Code Title Registration is not a copyright. Art Code Title Registrations are a register of ownership and should not be confused with copyright.
• To obtain a copyright in Australia go to www.copyright.org.au.
• Art Code Title Registry does not claim or imply that registration of works of art is proof of ownership or legally binds the ownership of any work of art to the registrant.
• The general public enters registration for works of art solely on their own volition. There is no required proof of ownership other than the transfer allowed by the current owner or originating artist.
• The information entered is completely up to the entity listing the ownership.
• A registrant will only receive a registration number from the Art Code Title Registry that is assigned to the Title of the artwork that he/she claims they own.
• The Art Code Title Registry does not legally demonstrate ownership nor takes any legal position behind such but only registers the work for the public to numerate its existence.
• For verification of ownership, the owner may enter photos, bill of sale, tax payments and any other document that would validate ownership.