Auction Information

 

Art Leven (formerly Cooee Art) provides an informed and professional approach to the buying and selling of art in the secondary market, with focus on ‘Australian’ First Nations artworks. Drawing on more than four decades of specialist experience, Art Leven has established a strong reputation for transparency, scholarship, and proven market results.

  As a market leader in First Nations art auctions, Art Leven holds two curated auctions per year, bringing together collectible works by significant and sought-after artists. Each artwork is supported by rigorous cataloguing, research, and due diligence, reflecting our commitment to ethical practice and cultural responsibility.  

Art Leven’s auction program is underpinned by specialist market knowledge, long-standing relationships with collectors and institutions, and a deep understanding of the historical and contemporary significance of ‘Australian’ First Nations art. This approach ensures informed pricing, strong presentation, and meaningful outcomes for artists, estates, and consignors alike.

 

Selling With Us

    

Considered advice is provided on market value, estimates, and reserve strategies tailored to each artwork. Works are professionally photographed, researched, catalogued, and condition-checked, with selected works supported by specialist essays and detailed catalogue entries.

 

Auction viewings are held at the gallery and selected locations, allowing collectors to engage closely with the works and enabling sellers to receive informed feedback ahead of the sale. Each auction is supported by a targeted national and international marketing campaign, alongside printed and online catalogues. Art Leven is committed to transparent client relationships and thorough after-sale service, including timely settlement and assistance with packing and delivery.

 

To request an assessment for sale through the gallery or auction program, please complete the form below. One of our specialists will shortly contact you. Please note that due to the high volume of enquiries received, it may not be possible to respond to every submission. If you have not heard from us within one week, please assume that we are unable to assist on this occasion.

 

Buying At Auction

  Acquiring works through an Art Leven auction is straightforward, transparent and professionally managed. Below is a guide to the process, from registration through to collection.  

REGISTRATION & BIDDING

All prospective buyers must register prior to bidding. Registration can be completed online via the Register tab.

Art Leven (formerly Cooee Art) offers several ways to participate in our auctions:

• In-room bidding
• Telephone bidding
• Absentee bidding
• Online bidding

Bid forms are available online and during the exhibition preview. Forms may be submitted in person or via email. If you have not previously bid with Art Leven, we will request photo identification (driver’s licence or passport) upon receipt of your registration. Registration requires your full legal name, telephone contact and relevant supporting information. Art Leven reserves the right to refuse registration or decline to issue a bidding paddle at its discretion. If you require assistance at any stage, our team is available to guide you through the process.  

BIDDING INCREMENTS

Bidding typically opens below the published pre-sale estimate and advances in the following increments (at the auctioneer’s discretion and they may vary increments where appropriate):

• $0 – $1,000: $50
• $1,000 – $2,000: $100
• $2,000 – $5,000: $200
• $5,000 – $10,000: $500
• $10,000 – $20,000: $1,000
• $20,000 – $50,000: $2,000
• $50,000 – $100,000: $5,000
• $100,000 – $200,000: $10,000
• $200,000 – $500,000: $20,000
• $500,000 – $1,000,000: $50,000
• Over $1,000,000: $100,000

 

BUYER’S PREMIUM

A Buyer’s Premium of 25% (including GST) is applied to the hammer price on all lots.  

SUCCESSFUL BIDS

The fall of the auctioneer’s hammer signifies acceptance of the bid and the formation of a binding contract. From this point, the buyer assumes responsibility for the lot.  

ESTIMATES & CONDITION

Pre-sale estimates are published in the catalogue. These reflect Art Leven’s opinion of the likely hammer price range and are not a valuation. Condition Reports are available upon request. These reports are provided as a guide only. Art Leven does not enter into a separate contractual obligation in respect of the Condition Report and does not assume liability in relation to it. We strongly encourage prospective buyers to inspect works during the preview period.  

RESERVES

All lots are offered subject to a confidential reserve – the minimum price agreed with the vendor. The reserve will not exceed the lower estimate and is not disclosed to bidders.  

PROVENANCE & CERTIFICATES

Each lot is catalogued with known provenance. Where earlier ownership history is not listed, this indicates that information was not available at the time of publication. All artworks sold through Art Leven auctions are accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity issued by the gallery. We endeavour to obtain original certificates where possible, though these are occasionally unavailable.  

COPYRIGHT

Copyright of the artworks remains with the artist and is used under licence by Art Leven. Images and catalogue text must not be reproduced without prior written consent. Art Leven pays applicable copyright fees through the Copyright Agency.  

RESALE ROYALTY

Certain lots may be subject to the Resale Royalty for Visual Artists Act 2009. Where applicable, the resale royalty is paid by the vendor.  

After the Auction

 

PAYMENTS

Successful bidders will receive an invoice the evening of or day following the sale. Payment must be made within four working days, with cleared funds received by the fifth working day after the auction. Accepted payment methods include:

• Electronic bank transfer (preferred)
• EFTPOS
• Visa, MasterCard and AMEX (2% surcharge applies)
• Cheque or cash

Please note: artworks will not be released until payment has cleared.  

FAILURE TO PAY

If payment is not received within seven working days, Art Leven reserves the right to rescind the sale, offer the lot to an underbidder, or pursue legal remedies where necessary.  

GST

A 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST) may apply where relevant. GST is included in the Buyer’s Premium and may apply to the hammer price for works consigned by GST-registered vendors. Additional services such as shipping may also attract GST. This is relevant to Australian residents.  

COLLECTION, DELIVERY & STORAGE

Buyers are responsible for organising collection or shipping of purchased works. Art Leven can provide recommended courier contacts but does not assume responsibility for third-party transport unless otherwise agreed in writing.

• Artworks must be collected within 7 days of the sale.
• Storage fees of $5 per lot per day may apply thereafter.
• If packing or shipping is arranged by Art Leven at the buyer’s request, a service fee applies. While all care is taken, Art Leven accepts no liability for damage incurred in transit.

If you have any questions about bidding, payment or collection, our team is always available to assist. Full Terms and Conditions

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Registration & Bidding

All prospective buyers must register before the auction.   Bidding forms are available [here] and in our showroom during the viewing period. Completed forms can be submitted in person, online, or by email.   If you haven’t previously bid with Art Leven, we’ll request photo identification (driver’s license or passport) with your registration. Please provide your full name, contact number, and payment details. Art Leven reserves the right to refuse registration or the issue of a paddle at its discretion.    

WAYS TO BID

Live In-Room | Register as an Attendee – (Line-In Room Auctions Only)

Our Live In-Room auctions are open to the public and held at our gallery at 104 Cathedral Street Woolloomooloo. We welcome you to attend in person if you’re in Sydney on the night of the auction. Once registered, you’ll receive a bidding paddle and be invited to take a seat in the room to bid live. Click here to register as an attendee bidder    

Absentee / Priority Bidding

Launched in October 2025, Priority Bidding rewards collectors who place their bids early. If you submit a binding absentee bid at least 48 hours before the auction, you’ll qualify for a reduced Buyer’s Premium of 15% (plus GST) – normally 25%.   An absentee bid offers a straightforward way to participate in the auction without the need to bid in real time, allowing you to set your bid in advance with confidence. You decide the maximum price you’re willing to pay for a lot, and our auctioneer will bid on your behalf, starting low and only increasing if other bidders continue. The aim is always to secure the work for you at the lowest price possible, up to and including your stated limit.   You don’t need to monitor the auction in real time; once your bid is submitted, our team manages it for you with complete transparency. Click here to register as an absentee bidder  

Telephone / Priority Bidding

Telephone bidding lets you take part in the auction live and in real time from anywhere in the world. A member of the Art Leven team will call you shortly before your chosen lot is offered and will relay your bids directly to the auctioneer. You’ll hear the action as it happens and can make decisions on the spot.   If you’d like to take advantage of our Priority Bidding option, simply submit your Telephone Bidding form with binding cover bids – the maximum you’re willing to pay – at least 48 hours before the auction. By doing so, you’ll qualify for a reduced Buyer’s Premium of 15% (plus GST) instead of the standard 25%. Your Priority Bids are binding, but you can still bid higher during the live auction by phone and retain your reduced premium. This ensures you’re covered if your call drops out or the line disconnects, your cover bid guarantees participation at the lowest possible price up to your nominated limit.   We recommend providing clear instructions in advance, as auctions move quickly and bidding can be competitive. Our team will manage your calls discreetly and with full transparency to ensure a smooth experience. Click here to register as a telephone bidder  

Online Bidding

Bid live and in real time with our own platform HERE or through the Invaluable, our trusted auction partner HERE Art Leven offers buyer parity, meaning no additional online bidding fees apply. Please register in advance and ensure your account is verified before the sale. Note – Priority Bidding is not an option when bidding online.  

To learn more about the process read Buying From Our Auctions.

If you have any questions about the bidding process please contact us.

  Art Leven [formerly Cooee Art] offers several ways to participate in one of our auctions. Bidding forms are also available in our showroom in Redfern during the auction preview. Bidding forms can be submitted in person, online or emailed. If you have not previously bid with us, upon receiving your bid form we will request photo identification, such as a drivers licence or passport.  

To learn more about the process read Buying From Our Auctions.

If you have any questions about the bidding process please contact us.

   

Register to Bid as an Attendee

 

Art Leven [formerly Cooee Art] offers several ways to participate in one of our auctions. Bidding forms are also available in our showroom in Redfern during the auction preview. Bidding forms can be submitted in person, online or emailed. If you have not previously bid with us, upon receiving your bid form we will request photo identification, such as a drivers licence or passport.

​

To learn more about the process read Buying From Our Auctions.

If you have any questions about the bidding process please contact us.

 

Online Bidding

 

Art Leven [formerly Cooee Art] offers several ways to participate in one of our auctions. Bidding forms are also available in our showroom in Redfern during the auction preview. Bidding forms can be submitted in person, online or emailed. If you have not previously bid with us, upon receiving your bid form we will request photo identification, such as a drivers licence or passport.

​

To learn more about the process read Buying From Our Auctions.

If you have any questions about the bidding process please contact us.

   

Launch Auction Online Platform

 

ONLINE BIDDING

 

There are two ways to bid online with our dedicated and secure online platform or Invaluable

  Please ensure you register to bid online prior to the auction. Art Leven does not take responsibility for any issues with bidding online and suggest you contact Art Leven prior to the auction to discuss the reliability and alternatives of bidding online.    

Telephone Bidding

  Art Leven (formerly Cooee Art) Auctions offers a complimentary telephone bidding service on all works at auction. They are allowing you to actively bid live on the night of the auction from wherever you are. Telephone bids must be booked in advance of the auction, no later than 4 hours prior.  

By using this option, you can bid on any lot from anywhere in the world. You will be telephoned prior to your selected lot arising and one of our staff will act on your behalf and according to your instructions. An auction can be quick so it is advisable that you give clear instructions to the person bidding on hour behalf.

It is also advisable to leave a Cover Bid (which acts the same way as an Absentee Bid) so that if we cannot reach you on the night, the person calling can then bid for you up to and including your Cover Bid amount. If you are a successful bidder an invoice will be sent to you via email within a day of the auction.

 

Absentee Bidding

 

For those who prefer not to attend the auction in person or bid online, you can leave an Absentee bid with us by filling in the form found at the back of this catalogue, or contact the team at Art Leven prior to the auction. Once the team has confirmed your maximum bid on any lot, the Auctioneer will bid on your behalf up to, but not above, this amount.

  If you are a successful bidder an invoice will be sent to you via email within a day of the auction.