Author: Zolberg, Vera L.

Publication Year: 1978

Media Type: Report

Summary:

This paper explores the patterns which characterize support systems for the arts historically, both abroad and in the : patronage, market, and bureaucratic institutions. The consequences for creative artists of the shift from private patronage to bureaucratic and market support are that they are likely to become more specialized in particular art forms and more professional.

Abstract:

This paper explores the patterns which characterize support systems for the arts historically, both abroad and in the : patronage, market, and bureaucratic institutions. The consequences for creative artists of the shift from private patronage to bureaucratic and market support are that they are likely to become more specialized in particular art forms and more professional. The development of alternative, sometimes competing support structures has produced a diversity of art styles and forms. Multicentric rather than monolithic support thus provide greater freedom and opportunity for creativity, even when it is bureaucratized. But a free market for artworks tends to turn them into commodities from which creative artists become alienated. Alienation is found among collectors as well, since they come to consider art as an investment rather than something acquired for its own sake. Indeed, although individual collectors still exist, the growth of corporate interest in collecting as an investment makes for even greater impersonality in the artist-public relationship. For difference reasons than in authoritarian regimes, the support structures of liberal democracies turn out to be problematic. (Taken from the opening abstract)

Arts & Intersections:

Categories: Fundraising