The short answer
AOAP Projects runs its charity art auctions online on The Auction Collective's white label auction software Indy. To take part, create a free Indy account, find the auction and place a bid, or set a maximum bid and let Indy bid for you up to that limit. You will be told if you are outbid. When the countdown ends, the highest bidder on each lot wins and receives a payment link by email. Once you have paid, you can buy insured artwork postage or arrange collection.
The rest of this guide takes you through each step.
What is Indy?
Indy is an online auction platform used by charities, galleries, museums and artists. We use it to host our charity auctions because it is simple to use on a phone or computer, bids update live on the page without refreshing, and bidders are notified straight away if they are outbid.
What kind of auctions does AOAP Projects run?
Our auctions are made up of small original artworks, often painted or made on 5 x 5 inch plywood panels. Artists donate their work, and the auction raises money for a partner charity. Recent and upcoming partners include War Child, Hospital Rooms and Choose Love, and we have held an International Women's Day auction every year since 2020.
Each auction places established artists alongside emerging talent, so it is a good place to buy your first piece of original art. Auctions usually run online for around two weeks, and many include an in-person viewing or private view while bidding is open.
How to bid: step by step
1. Create your Indy account
You need an Indy account to bid. It only takes a minute. Depending on the auction, you may be asked to sign in with Google or Facebook, or to add a payment card. Where a card is requested it is used to confirm your details; you are not charged unless you win.
2. Find the auction
AOAP Projects auctions are listed at theauctioncollective.com You can usually browse the lots before bidding opens. If an auction is not yet live, sign up to our newsletter and we will email you when it opens.
3. Place a bid or set a maximum bid
Once bidding is open, you can place a bid at the next increment. You can also set a maximum bid: the highest amount you are willing to pay. Indy then bids on your behalf in steps, only as far as needed to keep you in the lead, and never above your limit.
Setting a maximum bid early is the easiest way to take part if you cannot watch the auction closely.
4. Keep an eye on notifications
If someone outbids you, Indy alerts you on the page and by email. You can then decide whether to raise your bid.
5. The auction closes
Each auction has a countdown timer. When it reaches zero, the highest bidder on each lot wins. If a bid is placed in the final moments, the closing time may be extended so other bidders have a fair chance to respond. The exact closing rules are shown on each auction page.
What happens if I win?
You will receive an email confirming your win, with a link to pay through Indy. You are not charged automatically when the auction closes. Payment options are shown at checkout and may include card, PayPal or bank transfer. Any buyer's fee is shown at checkout and set out in the auction terms.
How is my artwork delivered?
• Pay for your artwork first, then buy Insured Artwork Postage or arrange collection by contacting info@aoaprojects.com
• Artworks are sent once payment for both the artwork and postage has been confirmed.
• You will receive a tracking number by email when your artwork is on its way.
• If you are outside the UK, any import duties or taxes are the buyer's responsibility.
Where does the money go?
Artists donate their work to our auctions, and the money raised supports the charity partner named on each auction page. Since Art on a Postcard was founded in 2014, our auctions and exhibitions have raised more than £2 million for charitable causes.
Frequently asked questions
Does it cost anything to register or bid?
No. Registering on Indy and placing bids is free. You only pay if you win a lot. Any buyer's fee is shown at checkout and in the auction terms.
Do I need to download an app?
No. Indy runs in your web browser on a phone, tablet or computer.
Can I bid from outside the UK?
Yes. We post artworks internationally. Buyers outside the UK are responsible for any import duties or taxes charged in their country.
Can I bid on more than one artwork?
Yes. You can bid on as many lots as you like, and one Insured Artwork Postage purchase covers up to five artworks.
Can I see the artworks in person?
Many of our auctions include a viewing or private view while bidding is open online. Details are on each auction page and in our newsletter.
Who are the artists?
Each auction brings together established artists and emerging talent. Our auctions have included work by Cecily Brown, Peter Doig, Greyson Perry, Chantal Joffe RA, Loie Hollowell, Christina Quarles, Lubaina Himid and Marina Abramović, Alvaro Barrington, Hurvin Anderson and the Late Paula Rego.
Where does the money go?
Artists donate their work, and the auction raises money for the partner charity named on each auction page. Since 2014, our auctions and exhibitions have raised more than £2 million.
Hear about the next auction first
Newsletter subscribers are told about every auction before bidding opens, along with early access to our sales exhibitions. Sign up for early access, browse past auctions, or see current auctions on Indy.
