Frequently Asked Questions

What is Art 19?

Art 19 is a German registered GmbH (Company with limited liability) established in 2018.

Who are the people behind Art 19?

Art 19 is the coming together of four friends with life times of experience in the worlds of art and human rights to raise money for Amnesty International from the sale of art work by the world’s leading contemporary artists. The founders, who are also its directors and equal shareholders, are:

·        Gallerist and print maker Mike Karstens from Münster

·        Retired commercial lawyer, art advisor and curator Burkhard Richter from Düsseldorf

·        Art for Amnesty founder and retired barrister Bill Shipsey from Dublin

·        Entrepreneur and art project producer Jochen M. Wilms from Berlin

What does the name Art 19 mean? 

The name “Art 19” is an abbreviation of Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which declares that: “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression.”

What are Art 19’s objectives?

The legal objects of Art 19 are the conceptual design, production and distribution of artworks as well as the planning, organisation and realisation of events and other activities in the context of contemporary art, in particular with the aim of promoting and supporting human rights.

How does Art 19 operate? 

Art 19 solicits and secures art from leading contemporary artists from which it produces high quality art works to be marketed and sold.  

What is Art 19 - Box One?

Art 19 - Box One is Art 19’s first project comprising fine art prints from art work by ten of the world’s leading contemporary artists. These ten artworks will be produced into high quality prints of which 100 copies of each will be made. Each of the prints will be signed by the artists and sold as a boxed set to art collectors around the world. Art 19 - Box One will be available for sale starting in late November 2019 for delivery in early 2020. 

Who will benefit from Art 19 - Box One?

The principal beneficiary of Art 19 - Box One will be Amnesty International.

What is Amnesty International?

Amnesty International is a global human rights movement of more than 7 million people. It campaigns for a world where human rights are enjoyed by all. It is funded by members and supporters and is independent of any political ideology, economic interest or religion.

Does Art 19 have a formal agreement with Amnesty International?

Art 19 negotiated and agreed a formal agreement with Amnesty International in 2018 which includes, inter alia, a licence to use the Amnesty International ‘mark’ and name in connection with Art 19 - Box One for which it pays Amnesty International an agreed annual licence fee, and a percentage of the proceeds of sale. 

How much does Amnesty International hopes to earn from the Art 19 art projects?

It is the intention of Art 19 that Amnesty International will receive 75-85% of the net profits from the sale of Art 19 - Box One.

What profit is to be retained by Art 19?

In compliance with German tax and company law Art 19 will retain 15-25% (before tax) of the profit generated from the sale of Art 19 - Box One to support its future projects and ongoing operations.

Will the artists be paid for their work? 

The artists will not be paid a fee for their art work but each of the participating artists in Box One and subsequent boxes, will receive a boxed set of the ten prints together with 20 copies of their own prints.