How to Become a Modern-Day Patron of the Arts

 

Historically, art patronage was often reserved for the affluent, who would commission works from artists, providing them with the means to focus solely on their craft. Patrons like the Medici family in Renaissance Italy, were instrumental in nurturing the talents of artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. Their support not only enabled these artists to create masterpieces but also helped to shape the cultural landscape of their time.

 

Today, the concept of a patron has expanded. You don’t need to be wealthy or influential to support the arts. Anyone with an appreciation for creativity can play a role in sustaining the arts by supporting living artists in various ways. This modern approach to sponsorship is about fostering a culture that values and uplifts creative expression, ensuring that artists can continue to contribute to our cultural fabric.

 

Why Supporting Living Artists Matters

 

Supporting living artists is more important now than ever. The challenges artists face are multifaceted, ranging from the high costs of materials and studio space to the unpredictability of income. By becoming a patron, you’re not just purchasing a piece of art—you’re investing in the artist’s journey, helping them to continue exploring and pushing the boundaries of their creativity.

 

Additionally, when you support a living artist, you’re contributing to the cultural diversity and innovation that makes art so vital to society. You’re helping to keep the creative spirit alive, allowing new ideas and perspectives to flourish.

 

Ways to Support Living Artists Today

 

1. Purchase Original Art: Buying original works directly from artists provides them with the income they need to sustain their practice. Plus, you get a unique piece of art that you can cherish for a lifetime. You can explore and purchase my original paintings, which I’m currently auctioning to raise funds for an international exhibition in Paris. Your support helps me cover exhibition fees and continue my artistic journey.

 

2. Buy Art Prints and Merchandise: Art prints and merchandise offer a more affordable way to own art while still supporting the artist. This is particularly helpful for artists, like myself, who rely on multiple income streams. Check out my online shop, where I’m offering T-shirts with the message "Living Artists Deserve to Make a Living." Proceeds go toward my exhibition fees and other creative endeavors.

 

3. Commission Custom Work: Commissioning a piece allows you to collaborate with an artist, giving them the opportunity to create something tailored to your vision while supporting their creative process. It also allows for the Artist to expand their creativity and skillset- for example, I am transitioning to oil painting, and running a special on commissioned oil portraits to hone my skills as a self-taught artist. If you have a specific idea in mind, reach out to discuss a commission. Custom work is a deeply personal way to support an artist’s craft.

 

4. Donate to Art Projects or Campaigns: Many artists use crowdfunding platforms to finance specific projects. Even small donations can have a significant impact, allowing artists to take on ambitious projects. How you can support: If you’re interested in supporting a specific project of mine, stay tuned for any crowdfunding opportunities I may announce throughout the year.

 

5. Attend Art Shows and Exhibitions: Whether virtual or in-person, attending exhibitions supports artists financially and helps build their reputation. It’s also an excellent way to experience art in a more immersive way. I invite you to attend my upcoming shows and exhibitions both virtual (NYC) and physical (Paris and Madrid). Your presence means a lot and directly contributes to my success as an artist.

 

6. Share and Promote Artists on Social Media: Social media is a powerful tool for artists. By sharing and promoting their work, you help them reach a broader audience and gain the recognition they deserve.

Follow me on Instagram and share my posts with your network. Your engagement helps amplify my work to a wider audience.

 

Becoming a patron of the arts today is about more than just financial support—it’s about nurturing creativity, fostering cultural growth, and building meaningful connections with the artists who shape our surroundings. Whether you’re purchasing original art, commissioning a piece, or simply sharing an artist’s work on social media, every action you take as a patron or sponsor helps keep the creative spirit alive.

 

I encourage you to explore the many ways you can support living artists like me. Together, we can ensure that the arts continue to thrive in our contemporary world.