What is it called when a rich person supports an artist?

When a rich person supports an artist, it is primarily called patronage.

Understanding Arts Patronage

Patronage refers to the support, encouragement, privilege, or financial aid that an individual or organization bestows upon another. In the context of art, it specifically denotes the backing that wealthy and influential individuals provide to artists. This historical practice has been instrumental in the creation and preservation of countless masterpieces across various artistic disciplines.

Historically, this form of support allowed artists to focus on their craft without the immediate pressures of market demand, fostering environments where creativity could flourish.

Historical Roots of Patronage

Throughout history, art patronage has been a vital force in the development of culture and creativity. Powerful figures often commissioned artworks not only for personal enjoyment but also to demonstrate their wealth, piety, and political power.

• Princes and Royalty: European monarchs and aristocrats, such as the Medici family in Renaissance Florence, famously supported artists like Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, enabling them to produce iconic works that defined an era.
• Religious Institutions: Popes, cardinals, and monastic orders were significant patrons, commissioning grand cathedrals, altarpieces, and religious sculptures that served spiritual and educational purposes. This support was critical for artists like Raphael and Bernini.
• Wealthy Merchants: Beyond nobility, affluent merchants and bankers also played a key role, commissioning portraits, domestic art, and civic projects that enriched their communities and solidified their social standing.

This support often involved more than just financial aid; it could include providing housing, materials, and even a social standing for the artists.

Modern Forms of Arts Support

While the traditional model of a single, powerful patron directly supporting an artist's entire career has evolved, the spirit of patronage endures in contemporary society. Modern patronage takes diverse forms, reflecting changes in economics, philanthropy, and artistic production.

Modern patronage often involves:

• Grants and Fellowships: Foundations, government agencies (like the National Endowment for the Arts in the U.S.), and private trusts offer competitive grants to artists, enabling them to pursue specific projects or periods of creative development.
• Corporate Sponsorships: Businesses often sponsor art exhibitions, festivals, and cultural events as part of their corporate social responsibility initiatives, benefiting from positive public relations and brand association.
• Individual Philanthropists: Wealthy individuals continue to be crucial patrons, either directly funding artists, donating to museums and art organizations, or establishing endowments for arts education and preservation.
• Crowdfunding and Community Support: Newer models, such as online crowdfunding platforms, allow a broad base of individuals to collectively support artists, democratizing the concept of patronage.

Benefits and Impact of Patronage

The continuous support from patrons offers numerous benefits to artists and the broader cultural landscape:

• Financial Stability: It provides artists with the necessary resources to live and work, freeing them from the constant need to commercialize their art.
• Artistic Freedom: Patronage can allow artists to experiment, take risks, and pursue projects that might not be immediately commercially viable, pushing the boundaries of creative expression.
• Preservation of Culture: Through commissions and acquisitions, patrons help to create and preserve cultural heritage for future generations.
• Public Access: Support for museums, galleries, and public art initiatives ensures that art remains accessible to the wider community.

Historical vs. Modern Patronage

The table below highlights some key distinctions between historical and modern approaches to art patronage:

For further reading on the comprehensive concept of patronage, you can explore resources like the Wikipedia page on Patronage.