Arts patrons deserve thanks
Should you ever find yourself escaping to the English countryside, then Blenheim Palace must surely be on your grand tour. Nestled amid the verdant Oxfordshire landscape, this magnificent property is not only home to the Dukes of Marlborough and the birthplace of former British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill, it is also a treasure trove of artworks.
The palace has been at the forefront of collecting cultural works and continues to evolve its taste for beauty, with the owners being patrons of the arts over the centuries. In 2014, the Blenheim Art Foundation was launched to host temporary art exhibitions in the palace’s state rooms and gardens, in addition to amassing a collection of artworks by contemporary artists to be displayed permanently. Over the years, several avant-garde artists have showcased seminal works there. Thanks to the generous contributions of patrons, we can enjoy such evocative masterpieces for generations to come.
The term “patron” means protector of dependents, or simply father. Similarly, a patron is deemed to be a father figure responsible for paving the way for artists to work their magic and produce beautiful artworks. Throughout history, patrons have been influential, wealthy and powerful rulers, nobles, clergymen and merchants looking for ways to reflect their status in society. This was achieved through splurges on palace constructions, indoor artworks and sculptures, commissioning works intended for public revelry, or temporary yet lavish decorations for diplomatic visits, festivals or marriages.
Patronage of the arts in the 21st century is continuously evolving. For one, digital arts platforms have paved the way for arts philanthropy to be a smoother and faster process. For example, Art Fund is a registered British charity that gives direct grants to museums to acquire art collections, provide curatorial training to staff, and organize exhibitions. Similarly, Patreon is an ingenious online platform that allows artists, writers, podcasters, musicians, and videographers to post regular content while requesting direct funding from their fans, or patrons, on a periodical basis. The platform has managed to garner more than 200,000 creators boasting 6 million active monthly patrons and $2 billion paid out to creators. However, further interest needs to be created on a wider scale to provide continuous support for the arts world. The media should highlight the significant roles that arts patrons play. Additionally, art dealers can match-make potential patrons and artists via digital platforms. And art galleries and museums can invite sponsorships from corporations, foundations and individuals. With a more intensified policy for soliciting arts patrons, we can channel enough resources to support artists in their work without limiting it to publicsector funding.
We have much to thank the patrons of the arts for. Their benevolent contributions to the arts world have birthed the most beautiful masterpieces, which are a testament to humanity’s beautiful expressions.
Sara Al-Mulla is an Emirati civil servant with an interest in human development policy and children’s literature. She can be contacted via www.amorelicious.com.