by Selena Hill
September 11, 2026
Swizz Beatz And Alicia Keys Partner With Bonhams To Help Artists Get Paid When Their Work Gets Resold
The musical power couple is teaming with Bonhams on a voluntary resale royalty model that could put more money back in artists’ pockets
Traditionally, artists have not always benefited when the value of their work goes up on the secondary market. However, Kasseem “Swizz Beatz” Dean and Alicia Keys are looking to change that.
The superstar musicians and art collectors have partnered with Bonhams to launch a voluntary resale royalty initiative designed to give artists a financial stake when their work is resold. The program, known as the Deans’ Choice, is set to roll out ahead of Bonhams’ November sales in New York, according to The Art Newspaper. Under the initiative, participating consignors can contribute a minimum of 1% of an artwork’s hammer price or $500, whichever is greater, to the artist. Bonhams will match the contribution.
The model reflects an issue that has long concerned the Deans, who have built a prominent collection of contemporary art while advocating for artists to benefit financially as the value of their work increases.
“Artists ...