Patronizing the Arts

By Marjorie Garber

Book Overview

What is the role of the arts in American culture? Is art an essential element? If so, how should we support it? Today, as in the past, artists need the funding, approval, and friendship of patrons whether they are individuals, corporations, governments, or nonprofit foundations. But as Patronizing the Arts shows, these relationships can be problematic, leaving artists "patronized"--both supported with funds and personal interest, while being condescended to for vocations misperceived as play rather than serious work. In this provocative book, Marjorie Garber looks at the history of patronage, explains how patronage has elevated and damaged the arts in modern culture, and argues for the university as a serious patron of the arts.

With clarity and wit, Garber supports rethinking prejudices that oppose art's role in higher education, rejects assumptions of inequality between the sciences and humanities, and points to similarities between the making of fine art and the making of good science. She examines issues of artistic and monetary value, and transactions between high and popular culture. She even asks how college sports could provide a new way of thinking about arts funding. Using vivid anecdotes and telling details, Garber calls passionately for an increased attention to the arts, not just through government and private support, but as a core aspect of higher education.

Compulsively readable, Patronizing the Arts challenges all who value the survival of artistic creation both in the present and future.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0691124809
• ISBN13: 9780691124803
• Release Date: August 2008
• Publisher: Princeton University Press
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.5" x 9.4"
• Age Range: 16 years and up

Customer Reviews

Can You Patronize the Arts Without Being Patronizing?

Harvard English professor, Garber, makes a persuasive argument that the act of "patronizing" art and artists by wealthy people, businesses, and governments is at its heart--"patronizing" to the artists who need and depend on that support. Garber tracks the history of art patronage and explains in this well-thought-out- and researched book that this system has elevated the status of art in society and reduced art to corporate promotions (the Absolut vodka ads over the years). The main conclusion drawn by Garber is that the university should be a much larger player in the support of the arts than it currently is, allowing artists to develop their projects without the need to channel projects for approval by a wealthy buyer or a corporation sponsoring a museum show. /Patronizing the Arts/ is a scholarly book in the most traditional sense of the word--plenty of references, quotes, and research. It also avoids the negative connotation of the word "scholarly" in that it is not boring. A worthwhile book for those interested in art history, art sponsorship, and challenges inherent in artistic freedom.