A group of artists has publicly accused the Arusha Gallery in London of failing to remit nearly $700,000 in overdue payments for sold artworks. In a collective statement released Thursday, ten artists expressed frustration over delayed payments, with some waiting months or even years to receive funds owed to them. The issue gained further traction as additional artists came forward, alleging similar grievances. Among those affected is Charlotte Keates, who reportedly faces the most significant financial loss, claiming she is owed approximately £430,000 ($580,000) from sales dating back to 2023. Legal disputes have arisen concerning consignment agreements and the gallery's entitlement to proceeds from partnerships involving its artists.

The controversy surrounding Arusha Gallery began when a coalition of ten artists issued a public declaration highlighting their struggles to secure rightful compensation for their work. These artists, including Pippa Young, Anna Rocke, and Plum Cloutman, among others, detailed experiences of prolonged payment delays. Charlotte Keates, represented by lawyer Jon Sharples, stands out as having one of the largest claims against the gallery. Despite lacking formal consignment agreements, Sharples asserts that verbal understandings bind the gallery to timely payments under legal standards. Meanwhile, Arusha Gallery disputes these claims, arguing through its legal counsel that it is entitled to a share of revenue from recent collaborations between artists and luxury brands like Hermés.

Further complicating matters, several unnamed artists have also joined the chorus of complaints, accusing the gallery of withholding payments for sold pieces. Beth Carter, Andrei Pokrovskii, Fiona Finnegan, and others describe scenarios where promised remittances failed to materialize despite multiple assurances from Bella Arusha Collins King, the gallery's owner. For instance, Plum Cloutman recounts receiving sporadic payments long after deadlines outlined in her consignment agreement had passed, forcing her into precarious financial situations. Similarly, Bruno Gilbert, acting on behalf of his late father Norman Gilbert’s estate, reports outstanding invoices totaling around $28,000, alongside unresolved issues regarding specific works still held by the gallery.

In response to mounting criticism, Arusha Gallery attributes its financial difficulties to broader challenges within the art market, citing a sharp decline in performance since 2024. Additionally, the unexpected passing of co-owner Guy Rowland Maxwell Bargery earlier this year added to operational pressures. Despite these setbacks, the gallery remains committed to ambitious projects, such as developing a wellness and exhibition space near Wales' Brecon Beacons National Park. This initiative, however, has sparked skepticism among affected artists who question whether the endeavor truly aligns with the gallery's core mission.

Beyond monetary disputes, tensions persist over the nature of upcoming ventures proposed by Arusha Gallery. Some artists argue that plans for a contemporary art hub in Wales contradict official statements downplaying the project's artistic focus. Pippa Young, for example, reveals discussions about hosting exhibitions there, suggesting the venture may indeed aim to compete with established galleries like Hauser & Wirth. As investigations continue and more voices emerge, the situation underscores broader concerns about transparency and accountability within the art world.