ART WORKS - Peer Review & Certification

Benefits

We give artists and galleries a simple, credible way to demonstrate ongoing development — and give curators and collectors the confidence to invest in work that’s been peer-validated.
Our certification label signifies commitment to artistic development of the art space and its participating artists. It boosts the reputation among the audience and opens doors to new opportunities. The certification is proof that the art space has implemented an operational system using the ART WORKS development method based on peer reviews.

The ART WORKS method uses curated topics based on research of aspects which are recognized by art institutions such as museums, art galleries, art foundations, artist residencies, artist grants and art contests. These platforms play an important role in promoting artistic quality by valuing and supporting artists who excel in the selected topics. Thanks to this approach ART WORKS fits in the existing art eco system and forms a platform ensuring sustainable growth for art galleries and artists.

Why certification matters for artists and institutions

For artists: recognition for your ongoing practice, structured feedback to move your work forward, and access to a supportive network.

For galleries & curators: clear evidence an artist is committed to reflection and artistic growth — useful for exhibitions, residencies and partnerships.

For collectors & audiences: transparency and confidence in the artist’s intentions and development.

Many artists create outstanding work, but their process and long-term development stay invisible. ART WORKS bridges that gap by combining the reflective depth of peer review with a formal certificate that communicates credibility.

The certification label boosts the reputation among the audience and opens doors to new opportunities.

In three simple steps

1: Submit your artwork
Apply here and upload images of your works for review.

2: Peer review session
An artist-peer reviews the work using our five-topic framework: Presentation, Technique, Concept, Context, Suggestions. You receive a thoughtful peer report with findings and constructive next steps.

3: Certification
After the review cycle, the artist and the participating gallery receive an ART WORKS certificate and will be listed in our certified artists register.

Each review addresses five topics to ensure a rounded assessment:
Presentation: first impressions, display, scale and viewer engagement.
Technique: material choices, execution and craft.
Concept: clarity of idea, intention and conceptual depth.
Context: cultural, political and historical references and position.
Suggestions: practical and conceptual next steps for development..

Background

The initial development of ART WORKS started very personally by starting to collect art and talking with artist and galleries during exhibitions, graduation shows and studio visits. The careers of artists differ extremely and are much defined by the own efforts of the artists. While some artists receive fundings and are selected for residencies or exhibitions, others maintain a low profile and do not rely on collaboration with institutions.

Mission

The key inspiration for our mission are the challenges for emerging independent artists to successfully settle in the art world. The ART WORKS development method aims to enable future development of artists by implementing a structured peer review system in the organisation of art institutes and galleries. This method provides feedback from peers, elevates artistic development and gives trust to collectors, increasing audience engagement.