Let's talk about Patronage
Patronage is the support, encouragement, privilege, or financial aid that an organization or individual bestows to another. In the history of art, arts patronage refers to the support that kings, popes, and the wealthy have provided to artists such as musicians, painters, sculptors and writers.
From the ancient world onward, patronage of the arts was important in art history. It is known in greatest detail in reference to medieval and Renaissance Europe, though patronage can also be traced in feudal Japan, the traditional Southeast Asian kingdoms, and elsewhere—art patronage tended to arise wherever a royal or imperial system and an aristocracy dominated a society and controlled a significant share of resources.
Patronage of the arts seems to me to be the best way to ensure the continuance of artistic expression, creation, growth, innovation, experimentation and production. Where 'public funds' fall short, 'private funds' can take up the torch.
In an article from the Financial Times, Pamela Ryckman writes:
In recent years, wealthy individuals have engaged increasingly in old-fashioned patronage, or the sponsorship of chosen artists. Yet today’s patrons hardly model themselves on the Medicis, and their role is rarely limited to commissioning work for private collections. ... they often become intimately involved in their artists’ lives, socialising and visiting studios, and providing not only funding but also space and materials. “These people exist everywhere but they are usually very quiet about it,” says Wayne Lawson, who is director emeritus of the Ohio Arts Council, a board member of the National Alliance of Artists’ Communities in Providence, Rhode Island, a board member of the Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown, Massachusetts, and a professor of arts administration and public policy at Ohio State University. “They are knowledgeable. They come to really love the art, and they want to be part of its creation.” Lawson believes that in their own quiet way, contemporary benefactors are galvanising a profound change in the art world. By giving artists freedom from quotidian concerns, they are helping to shape a generation of creators who are more original and willing to take risks unseen in nearly 30 years.
But how can would-be patrons find their artists?
For creators, Patreon is a way to get paid for creating the things you're already creating (webcomics, videos, songs, poetry, fiction, art ...). Fans/patrons pay a few dollars per month and the artist gets paid every month. Patreon provides a machine through which the artist can show off their creations and connect with patrons, and through which fans and supporters can give of their time and money.
This is one of the coolest things I've found online and as soon as I heard about it, I set up my own Patreon page. I also explored other pages and started patronizing different writers.
If you're a 'creator' or a 'patron' you'll want to check it out.
You can start by visiting my page (of course!)
See you there!