Selling second-hand art in Australia provides a fantastic opportunity for artists and collectors alike to find new homes for their artworks, whether through direct sales or the secondary market. This guide will explore various avenues available for selling second-hand art, including online platforms and physical galleries.

Online Platforms for Selling Art

1. Bluethumb: This is a prominent online gallery where artists can directly sell their artworks to a broad audience. Bluethumb caters to a diverse range of art, including paintings, sculptures, photography, and prints. The platform is designed to handle everything from showcasing to logistics like shipping, making it a hassle-free option for artists.

2. Art Lovers Australia: Another excellent online gallery, Art Lovers Australia emphasizes the connection between artists and potential buyers. It supports a wide range of art types and offers tools for social media promotion and access to art competitions and exhibitions. The platform is not exclusive, allowing artists to sell elsewhere provided pricing remains consistent​.

3. Shopify: For those looking to set up their own digital storefront, Shopify offers comprehensive tools to sell original artworks or reproductions. Artists can decide whether to sell originals or prints, with the platform providing all the necessary tools to start, manage, and grow an online art business.

Physical Galleries and Auction Houses

In addition to online sales, physical galleries and auction houses play a crucial role in the art market. These venues are ideal for artists who wish to sell more valuable or significant pieces and benefit from the professional curation and valuation services these establishments offer.

Legal Considerations

It’s important to note the legal aspect of selling art in Australia, especially concerning the resale royalty right. This allows artists to receive royalties from secondary sales of their works, a policy that supports artists economically as their work continues to circulate on the art market. The resale royalty is applicable for the lifetime of the artist plus 70 years posthumously, ensuring that artists or their estates benefit from ongoing transactions​.

Conclusion

Whether through online platforms or traditional galleries, selling second-hand art in Australia offers various avenues to reach passionate collectors and art enthusiasts. Artists should consider their target market, the type of art they are selling, and how different platforms can complement their sales strategy to maximize their success in the vibrant Australian art market.