What it does
DACS Images provides artwork images for publishing, merchandising and advertising. Artist, image and represented-collection routes connect the visual selection with DACS’s copyright-permission service.
Check separately whether DACS represents the artist and whether it holds the image file. Copyright permission can be arranged for a represented work even when a high-resolution reproduction must come from another collection. Image records can include a low-resolution download and file dimensions: Tracey Emin’s “I Need Art Like I Need god” lists image ID 67700 and 1158 × 1637 pixels.
Request permission with the artist, title, placement, copies or views, distribution countries and duration. DACS reviews the request and quotes for the proposed use. Its published examples start at GBP 50 per artwork use in a 500-copy book run; a high-resolution file can incur a separate supply fee.
DACS’s copyright-licensing service is for UK-based customers. Customers elsewhere are directed to their local collecting society, while enquiries about DACS image files can still be made separately.
Strengths
- Artist representation and image-file availability are checked separately.
- Artwork records provide image references, dimensions and a low-resolution preview route.
Watch out for
- The image-supply charge can be additional to the copyright licence fee.
- Customers outside the UK may need their local collecting society for copyright permission.
Best for
- UK designers and publishers reproducing modern or contemporary artworks
Sources
- License images and artwork (UK): DACS (Oct 27, 2026)
- License artwork and get copyright permission: DACS (Oct 27, 2026)
- Costs for licensing: DACS (Oct 27, 2026)
- I Need Art Like I Need god, 1998: DACS (Oct 27, 2026)