Participation Rules
Welcome to The Studio Osu Art Auction, an independent art auction created by artist Nneka Osueke to uplift and celebrate artists of the Black/African diaspora. This is a space for collectors and art lovers to discover, bid on, and acquire original artwork directly from the artists featured in The Studio Osu Art Auction. Please review the following rules before participating. By placing a bid or purchasing a work, you agree to the terms outlined below.
1. Eligibility to Participate
Participants must be at least 18 years of age and provide accurate contact information when submitting a bid. By participating, you confirm that you are authorized to make the purchase and fulfill the associated payment obligations.
2. How Bidding Works
Each artwork will have a published starting bid, minimum bid increment, buyout price (where applicable), and auction closing date and time.
Starting bid: The minimum amount at which bidding opens.
Minimum bid increment: Each new bid must meet or exceed the minimum increment stated for that artwork.
Valid bids: All bids must be submitted through the designated bidding method listed on the artwork's auction page.
Highest bid: The highest valid bid recorded before the auction closes is eligible to win, subject to these rules and payment requirements.
Bid accuracy: Participants are responsible for checking the artwork, bid amount, and auction deadline before submitting a bid.
Bids are considered binding purchase commitments, subject to the terms of this auction. Please bid only if you genuinely intend and are able to complete the purchase.
3. Buyout Purchases
Some artworks may include a buyout price that allows a collector to purchase the work without waiting for the auction to end. A buyout request does not guarantee a purchase. The artwork is considered sold only after the artist confirms the purchase and the required payment is received. Once a buyout is confirmed, the auction for that artwork closes and further bidding is no longer accepted. If a valid buyout and a competing bid are submitted close together, the auction team will use the recorded submission times and payment status to determine the outcome.
4. Auction Closing and Winning Bids
Each auction closes at the date and time stated on its individual listing. All times are based on the time zone specified on the listing. Only valid bids submitted before the closing deadline will be considered, unless an extension is explicitly announced.
The highest eligible bidder at closing will be contacted using the information provided during registration or bidding. The artist will confirm the winning amount and provide payment instructions. The artist reserves the right to investigate suspected errors, fraudulent activity, duplicate submissions, or attempts to manipulate the bidding process. Any decision affecting a bid will be based on the published rules and available records.
5. Payment
Winning bidders must complete payment within 24 hours of receiving confirmation and payment instructions, unless another deadline is expressly stated. If payment is not received within the stated deadline, the artist may cancel the sale and offer the artwork to the next eligible bidder or relist it. An artwork is not considered sold until payment has been received and confirmed. A payment screenshot or unverified transfer notification does not constitute confirmation of payment. Accepted payment methods and any applicable taxes, shipping charges, or other costs will be handled and communicated by the artist before payment is completed.
6. Artwork Descriptions and Authenticity
Every artwork will be presented with the available information regarding its title, medium, dimensions, year of creation, and other relevant details. Colors may vary slightly between photographs and physical artwork due to lighting, photography, and screen settings. Participants are encouraged to review all photographs and descriptions carefully and contact the artist with questions before bidding. Original works can be accompanied by a certificate of authenticity where stated in the listing, depending upon the artist participating.
7. Shipping, Delivery, and Collection
Shipping arrangements, estimated delivery timelines, and any applicable costs will be communicated by the artist to the winning collector before payment is finalized. Unless otherwise stated, shipping and insurance costs are the responsibility of the collector. Artwork will be prepared for delivery after payment has cleared. Collectors are responsible for providing accurate delivery information and reviewing the shipment upon arrival. Any damage or delivery concerns should be reported promptly, with photographs and relevant documentation where applicable.
8. Cancellations, Returns, and Refunds
Please review your bid carefully before submitting it. Because bids are purchase commitments, requests to withdraw a bid may not be accepted. The return, cancellation, and refund policy applicable to each sale will be communicated before payment. Nothing in these rules limits any consumer rights that cannot legally be waived. If an artwork cannot be delivered, a payment is duplicated, or a material error affects a transaction, the artist will work with the collector to resolve the issue appropriately.
9. Fair Participation and Integrity
The Studio Osu Art Auction is intended to provide a fair, transparent, and respectful experience for all participants. Bidders may not submit false bids, impersonate other participants, interfere with another person's participation, or engage in conduct intended to manipulate auction results. The artist may reject bids, suspend participation, or cancel a transaction where there is credible evidence of fraud, abuse, or a material violation of these rules. Where practical, the participant will be informed of the reason. If a technical issue, website outage, or recording error materially affects an auction, the artist may pause, extend, or cancel the affected auction and will communicate any changes to participants.
10. Direct Sales and Artist Independence
The Studio Osu Art Auction is independently operated by Nneka Osueke. Artwork is offered directly by the artist, with the auction marketplace acting only as an intermediary for facilitating the discovery and sale. This means, the participating artists keep 100% of their earnings and sales. All bids, purchases, and communications must follow the instructions published on the relevant auction page. Participants should rely only on official auction listings and payment instructions provided directly by the artist.
11. Questions and Contact
If you have questions about an artwork, bidding, payment, or delivery, please contact the artist before placing your bid. Thank you for participating in The Studio Osu Art Auction and for supporting independent art. Every work carries a story, and every collector becomes part of its next chapter.
Happy collecting.
Nneka Osueke
Curator, The Studio Osu Art Auction
2. Who can participate?
Anyone aged 18 or older who can legally complete the purchase and comply with the Participation Rules may participate. You do not need previous auction experience to bid.
3. How do I view the available artwork?
Click here to view the current catalog to explore the available works. Each listing includes photographs, artwork details, the starting bid, the minimum bid increment, the buyout price where applicable, and the auction closing time.
We encourage you to review each listing carefully before participating.
4. Is the artwork original?
Each listing will identify the work being offered and provide details about its medium, dimensions, and other relevant characteristics. Where stated in the listing, original artwork will include a certificate of authenticity.
5. Will more artwork become available?
Absolutely. The Studio Osu Art Auction may feature new works and curated collections over time. Join the Collector's List or follow Nneka on Instagram to hear about upcoming auctions and new releases.
BIDDING
6. How do I place a bid?
Follow the bidding instructions on the individual artwork's auction page. Submit your bid through the designated official bidding channel and provide the requested contact information. Only bids submitted through the designated channel will be considered valid.
7. What is a starting bid?
The starting bid is the minimum amount at which bidding opens for a particular artwork. It is listed on the artwork's auction page.
8. What is a minimum bid increment?
The minimum bid increment is the smallest permitted increase over the current highest valid bid. For example, if the highest bid is $800 and the minimum increment is $25, the next valid bid must be at least $825. Always follow the increment specified on the individual listing.
9. Can I place more than one bid on the same artwork?
Yes. You may submit additional bids while the auction is open, provided each new bid meets the published minimum increment and follows the auction rules.
10. Can I change or withdraw my bid?
Please review your bid carefully before submitting it. Bids are considered binding purchase commitments under the Participation Rules, and requests to withdraw a bid may not be accepted. If you believe you made a genuine submission error, contact the artist as soon as possible. Any resolution will be subject to the published rules and applicable law.
11. How can I see the current highest bid?
The official bidding page or other designated bidding channel will serve as the authoritative record. If a live highest-bid display is available, it will show the current recorded amount. If bids are being collected manually, the displayed amount may not update instantly. Please allow time for submissions to be reviewed and recorded.
12. What happens if two people submit the same bid?
The auction's recorded submission times will be used to determine which valid bid was received first. If the records are inconclusive or a technical issue affects the result, the artist will review the available evidence and resolve the issue in accordance with the Participation Rules.
13. What happens if I am outbid?
If another participant submits a higher valid bid before the auction closes, you are no longer the highest bidder. You may submit another valid bid while the auction remains open.
14. What time does the auction end?
Every artwork has its own published closing date and time. Please check the listing and its stated time zone so you don't miss the deadline. Any announced extensions or changes will be communicated through the designated auction channel.
BUYOUT PURCHASES
15. What is a buyout price?
A buyout price is a predetermined amount that allows you to purchase an artwork without competing through the bidding process. It is listed alongside the starting bid when available.
16. How do I purchase an artwork at the buyout price?
Follow the buyout instructions on the artwork's listing or contact the artist through the designated channel. Your purchase is confirmed only after the artist confirms the transaction and the required payment is received.
Submitting a buyout request alone does not guarantee that the artwork is yours.
17. Can someone else buy the artwork while I'm considering the buyout?
Yes. Until your buyout is confirmed, the artwork may remain available for bidding or purchase under the published rules. If you want to secure a work, follow the buyout instructions promptly.
18. Is the buyout price negotiable?
The listed buyout price is the published price for purchasing the artwork outright. Any alternative pricing or arrangement is at the artist's discretion and must be explicitly confirmed.
WINNING AND PAYMENT
19. How will I know if I've won?
The artist will contact the winning bidder using the contact information submitted during bidding. You will receive confirmation of the winning amount and instructions for completing payment. Please monitor your email, including your spam or junk folder, around the auction closing time.
20. How long do I have to pay?
Unless otherwise stated on the listing or in your payment instructions, winning bidders must complete payment within 24 hours of receiving confirmation. If payment is not received by the deadline, the artist may cancel the sale and offer the artwork to the next eligible bidder or relist it.
21. What payment methods are accepted?
Available payment methods will be communicated with your payment instructions. Please use only the official payment details provided directly by the artist. An artwork is not considered sold until payment has been received and confirmed.
22. Are there additional fees?
Any applicable shipping charges, insurance costs, taxes, or other required charges will be disclosed before payment is completed. There is no auction marketplace acting as an intermediary in The Studio Osu Art Auction's direct-sale process. However, payment providers may charge transaction fees depending on the payment method used.
23. Can I cancel my purchase after winning?
Winning bids are considered binding purchase commitments, subject to the Participation Rules and applicable law. Please bid only when you're confident that you can complete the purchase. If an unexpected issue arises, contact the artist promptly. Any cancellation, return, or refund will be handled according to the applicable policy and legal requirements.
SHIPPING AND RECEIVING YOUR ARTWORK
24. Do you ship internationally?
Shipping availability will be specified for each artwork or confirmed with the artist before purchase. International collectors should contact the artist before bidding if they need to confirm delivery availability or estimated costs.
25. Who pays for shipping?
Unless otherwise stated, shipping and insurance costs are the collector's responsibility. Applicable costs and arrangements will be communicated before payment is finalized.
26. How long will delivery take?
Delivery timelines depend on the artwork's location, destination, packaging requirements, shipping provider, and customs procedures where applicable. An estimated timeline will be communicated once the shipping arrangements are confirmed.
27. What if my artwork arrives damaged?
Please contact the artist promptly after delivery and provide photographs of the artwork, packaging, and any visible damage. Retain the original packaging and relevant shipping documentation while the issue is reviewed. The artist will work with you to determine the appropriate next steps under the applicable shipping, insurance, and refund policies.
28. Can I return an artwork if I change my mind?
Please review the artist’s applicable return and refund policy before bidding. Returns are not automatically guaranteed, and the terms applicable to your purchase will be communicated before payment. Nothing in the policy limits any consumer rights that cannot legally be waived.
ARTWORK CARE AND AUTHENTICITY
29. Will the artwork look exactly like the photographs?
We make every effort to represent each artwork accurately. However, colors and details may appear slightly different depending on lighting, photography, and your screen settings. Please review all available images and descriptions and contact the artist if you need additional information before bidding.
30. Will I receive a certificate of authenticity?
A certificate of authenticity will accompany the artwork where stated in the listing. Please check the individual artwork's details if you have questions about its documentation.
31. Can I use the artwork commercially or reproduce it?
Purchasing an original artwork does not automatically transfer the artist's copyright or reproduction rights. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the artist retains applicable intellectual property rights.
If you are interested in licensing an artwork for commercial use, reproduction, or another purpose beyond personal ownership, please contact the artist to discuss permissions.
COLLECTOR SUPPORT
32. How can I stay informed about upcoming auctions?
Follow Nneka on Instagram and join the Collector's List through the website to receive updates about upcoming collections, early previews, and other collecting opportunities.
33. What if I have a question that isn't answered here?
We're happy to help. Please contact the artist through the contact information provided on the website. For questions about a specific artwork, include its title or listing reference so we can assist you more efficiently.
Thank you for being part of The Studio Osu Art Auction and supporting independent art. We hope you find a work that speaks to you and becomes a meaningful part of your collection.
FAQ’s
