African Art Beats FAQs


Why does African Art Beats sell online?

We sell online in order to give you, wherever you are, access to a wide, original and diverse spectrum of artworks, and to give the artists we work with, and whose art we treasure, the visibility they deserve. If you are reading this, it is because you know that the internet knows no frontiers and no boundaries.

African Art Beats is active behind the scenes. A major part of its work is to promote the artists it represents in Washington DC and beyond, and to organize pop-up exhibits.

Do you know the artists you work with?

We personally know all the artists we work with. We discovered their work from word of mouth, in galleries in their country of origin or abroad, or at art fairs. Because we loved their work, we established contact and visited them in their studios.

How do you choose the artworks exhibited on your website?

We either choose the art directly in their studio or the artists send us high resolution photographs of the series made for us and we pick the ones we think you will love.

How close to the artwork is the image provided on the website?

The photographs provided here are as close to the actual pieces as technology allows. If you want more images or have specific questions about a work, please let us know.

Does the artwork come with a certificate of authenticity?

Each work of art comes with a certificate of authenticity, signed by the artist.

Does the artwork arrive ready to be hanged?

It depends. If the artwork is shipped rolled, you will need to stretch it once it arrives. You can then chose to either place it as such on the wall or decide to have it framed. We like our contemporary artworks unframed and directly on the wall, but a floating frame is also a good option. Just go with what you like best.  The description about each artwork indicates if the artwork is shipped rolled or in a box or crate. If in a box or crate, it should be ready to be hanged.

I love one of the artworks, but it has been sold. What can I do?

Get in touch with us! While each piece of art is a unique work, we can help you find another artwork that you'll find similarly engaging. Also, some of the artists accept commissions. In that case, an artwork will be made specifically for you.

Could I buy a print instead of the artwork instead?

All of the artworks on African Art Beats are unique, so no prints or copies of them are available. The artist retains all rights to the work; so creating copies or reproductions of the work is forbidden.

How is the price of an artwork fixed?

The price of an artwork depends on several factors, but most of all, the rating and experience of the artist. The price given here has been decided with the artist and is the one you would pay in the artist’s studio or in the other galleries he/she might work with.

What are the accepted methods of payment?

All credit and debit cards (Mastercard, Visa, American Express etc.), Paypal and bank transfer.

What happens once the payment has been processed?

Once the payment has been processed, the artwork is reserved for you! We will call you right away to confirm its availability and delivery.

When will my credit card be charged?

At the time of transaction, your credit card will be charged. If you cancel the order before it is shipped, the charge will be refunded to you. 

Can I cancel my order?

Of course. Before the work has been shipped, you can cancel your order by email. You have 7 days to return an order after delivery.

Is there a problem with your order confirmation?

Do not hesitate to contact us at any time with any questions: about payment, delivery or anything else.

How are the artworks packaged?

The artworks are packaged by African Art Beats or the artist in collaboration with the most secure shipping company in the country of origin. Unless you require paintings to travel stretched, they will travel rolled. If you live in the Washington DC area, you have the option to have the work sent to us. We will then stretch it before delivering it to you. You might want to see the work when it arrives because returns will not be possible in such a case.

Rigid works travel in a box or crate. The artists care for their work and take all necessary measures for the pieces to arrive in perfect condition.

Where are the artworks shipped from?

Unless in the USA with African Art Beats, the artworks are shipped directly from the artist’s studio – most probably located in a country on the African continent.

What shipping companies do you use?

Depending on the country of origin and the destination, FedEx, DHL, or the national postal service will be used. In case of a bulky work of art, we would have to decide what works best. There, it would be a question of cost.

How much does shipping cost?

Whether in the USA or in the country of origin, we usually have special arrangements with shipping companies so that cost are kept at the lowest.

Cost will depend on the city/country it is sent from, as well as the size and weight of the piece. When you go to check out, the shipping cost will be indicated. If you have any concern because of the shipping cost, please give us a call.

How will I know when I get my artwork?

As soon as payment is processed, the artist will pack and send the artwork. We will then let you know how long it should take to reach you. Depending on the shipping company, it could take from a few days to a couple of weeks. All packages can be tracked. If you need the package sooner, let us know and if possible, we will expedite shipping.

You are based in the US, so do you only deliver there?

Of course not. We know no borders :)

Is the delivery of the artwork insured?

The artwork is insured by the shipping company. When you accept the package, make sure it is not damaged. If it is, let us know immediately and send photographs. We will then proceed as needed.

Can I return an artwork if, upon reception, I decide so?

You are going to live with the artwork you bought and rejoice every time you look at it. If you realize that its effect on you is not the one you expected or that it doesn’t fit your space as you thought it would, you have 7 days, from the day of reception, to return it.  

How do I return it?

When you receive your purchase, keep the packaging. If you decide to return it, let us know immediately. Together, we will check the return shipping address and decide on the carrier for the way back - most probably the shipping company that delivered it in the first place. You will then place the artwork in its original packaging and send it back.

We might decide to have the artwork sent to us instead of back to the artist.

Will I incur any costs?

The only cost incurred will be the return shipping fees and any custom fees that might be charged. Reimbursement will be processed as soon as the work has reached its destination.

What if the work arrives damaged?

Contact us immediately and send us photographs of the work and the damage, as well as of the packaging, if it has been damaged during transportation. The next steps will depend on the reason why the work has arrived damaged and on the extension of the damage itself. We will make a decision together. We will reimburse you and will cover the return shipping fees if you decide not to keep the work.

Unique art works - 7-day return guarantee  

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