#Patron – does it exist?
I googled hashtags for patrons of the arts and guess what – it isn’t a thing! There are no hashtags for patrons of the arts. In my last blog I made a case for patrons and their role in the lives of artists. I extrapolated the role to society as a whole. I believe everyone can become a patron of the arts. It is not a privilege restricted to the rich and famous.
Today I’d like to shed light on Michelangelo and Pope Julius II. A very long time ago, I watched a movie The Agony and the Ecstasy based on the relationship of Pope Julius II and Michelangelo. It moved me a lot. I enjoyed the movie and it made me appreciate the Sistine chapel that much more, because it brought to life the struggles and the vision of the artist and the patron.
It is said that Irving Stone – the author of the book the movie was based upon – went to Italy for inspiration. He walked in the steps of Michelangelo Buonarroti and apprenticed in stone quarries before writing the book. The novelist referenced 450 letters written by Michelangelo in order to come up with the final biographical novel. The rights of the novel were sold to Fox, but surprisingly the studio lost close to 5.3 million dollars post production. It was heavily criticized for many reasons, but the point I am trying to make is, if not for Pope Julius II, we would not have the famous Sistine Chapel ceiling. Instead, it would be painted blue with gold stars! Michelangelo was a sculptor who painted his vision that still mesmerizes people, 500 years later to this day.
I submit that artists cannot create without patrons. Local schools and colleges are hurting to attract gifted students into the arts. They refuse to study art because “art does not pay”. I think we have a problem brewing.
As always, be curious and create!
Hyacinth
https://www.hyacinthpaulart.com/
So, how can we address it? In my view, area businesses and community members must band together to encourage a prolific artistic environment in their community. We need patrons of the arts, and they must exist in communities all around the world. What we as artists need to do is give our patrons the recognition they deserve.
