Patrons & Benefices: Modern support of artists & musicians

"The artist in our society is in a very peculiar position.  On the one hand he is regarded very highly, almost like a high priest of culture who knows the inner secrets of reality.  But on the other hand he is a completely superfluous person whom people like to think highly of but are quite ready to allow to starve." - Hans R. Rookmaaker 

I've been meditating lately on the artist and the role of support in artist's lives.  (By artist, I mean to include music and any creative vocation.)  On the one hand I see a deep need for creatives to learn the value of responsibility and the cultivation of order in their personal lives.  On the other hand, I see the deep need for understanding, value and support to be given to the artist that he/she may freely engage the work they are called to produce. 

There is often a breakdown in an artist's life between the pragmatic and the intuitive.  Most artists are inclined toward the realm of the subjective, imaginative landscapes from which creative vision is born.  The practical world of jobs, finances and everyday details rival the deeper meaning and purpose of their lives.  Simply said, everyone has to have some source of income to function in the world.  Yet, the time and energy given toward a completely "secular" form of work leaves little time to pursue the real work of becoming an artist.
 
Artists typically handle this conflict in one of three ways.  One, the artist forsakes the practical world altogether (or as much as possible) refusing stability and conventionality for the sake of devoting themselves to their craft.  Two, they sacrifice the integrity of their work for commercial ends, employing their skill for whatever demand that brings income.  Third, the artist resigns altogether, relinquishing creative work to the level of a weekend hobby or a memory from their youth.

I make no judgment on either of these conclusions.  These are simply observations I've witnessed in lives I've encountered along the way.  I do find it sad that the world has been robbed of many great works from various artists simply because they did not find the means to make creativity a form of livelihood, therefore they felt forced to give it up or reduce it to commercialism.

What I want to present in this writing is that there can be another way right in front of our eyes if we give ourselves to understanding and developing it. The subject is huge and will take several blogs to even scratch the surface but you gotta start somewhere, right?  (For those of you reading this who consider yourselves part of the Church, you have a very special role to play in this. I encourage you above all to keep reading.)

Somewhere around the late 13th-14th Century in Florence, Italy, what we know as the Renaissance began to gain in momentum.  (The Renaissance could be described as a cultural movement where all facets of society began to flower; Art, Science, Religion, Politics etc.)  There was a system in place during that time called "Patronage".  (The Patronage system was much older and broader in its use but is well known for its influence in Florence.)  Basically, the Patronage system was a system of support primarily to, but not limited to artists.  Patrons would support an artist through housing and provisions to enable them to create their work.  The Church was among the earliest to employ this system. Most of the art created during the Renaissance was either commissioned by the Church or created for the Church.  (The motives and details involved in this, I don't claim to know or support.  Still it remains true, the Church even in its historically rocky relationship with the arts, lead the way in supporting the art of the Renaissance.)

In short, it is baffling that the Church would not still be leading the way in the support of art, music, science, creativity etc.  Human creativity is the echo is God's very nature.  Whenever a creative work is brought forth into the earth, a glimpse of heaven, a peak into the nature of God is given.  What a shame it would be, to forgo these Divine expressions in greater and greater measures because the artists themselves were left to lesser forms of work.  (I used the term "secular" above because the creative work is a "devotional" work).

I'm not suggesting that we return to the historical form of the Patronage system by any means.  However, it should be noted that the Church led the way during that time in supporting art and science and the result was some of the best work the world has seen.  (Chrétien de Troyes, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, William Shakespeare, Ben Jonson all sought and enjoyed the support of noble or ecclesiastical patrons.[2][3] Figures as late as Mozart and Beethoven also participated in the system to some degree. So did Galileo.)

Thoughts?


Comments

  1. Thanks for posting this discussion friend. I am a big believer that the church lost much of the beauty of art, music and creativity as a result of trying to "control" what was being done. It began as true patronage and an expression of God's glory. But as I have studied over the years, it feels as though the church as a whole has forgotten that music and art is not something that can be controlled and "directed" by a format. It's also not something that should be lessened in value because the artist is a "member of the church" and should therefore being providing it for less than it's value.

    I am constantly seeing artist who's expression of praise and celebration of who God is in their lives be under-valuing themselves and their art. They do this in large part because the Community that should be providing patronage not only in provision but in encouragement is not happening.

    Patronage can come in powerful forms. Financial support is huge, but along with it comes the power of life when spoken over an artist. Speaking into what they are doing. Taking up a covering of prayer for them to see more of what the love of God is showing them about who they are in His love. Reminding them as often as we can of their identity as an artist.

    Consider me a patron friend. Blessings
    M

    ReplyDelete
  2. What if there were a collective of older more mature artists who's primary role and function were to provide alms and fiscal benefits to upcoming budding artists? In other words, what if The production and sales of art went towards underwriting and financing the dreams of the youth?

    Yeshua siad, give and it shall be given. Art is a gift to be given back to the creator, and what if artists were more inclined to share the blessing of their art and it's proceeds with those who have yet to step into their gifting. I see a line of demarcation here. If we would selflessly give our lives and our art back to the community of creatives, not only would we inspire but we would attract another generation towards the Kingdom of God.

    Obviously these thoughts are potential seeds, and I while I know that there are "politics" involved, that is not my primary concern. Stephen I think you've stumbled onto something vital here that could be integrated into the collective consciousness of Christian artists. If there were an organization committed to the artist, to provide a platform of support, encouragement, and most importantly a place to showcase and release the creative expression of the creative individual, wouldn't the arts begin to flourish again and take root in the earth?

    Years ago, I had a dream to start such a foundation. It would become a mission base for cultivating the arts, beginning first with community and the the role of the prophetic/apostolic artist in the 21st century. This foundation would be a collective, a group of older more mature artists actively engaged and involved in their artistic careers, who could mentor, teach, and share their lives in a way that encourages the young artist and act as the agency of "fathering" that individual, to see the purpose and dreams of that gifted one young become actualized, through practical training, discipleship, and relationship. The goal ultimately would be centered in the release of the arts, through discipleship and equipping,
    not forsaking the human element of personal discovery, or seeking to conform the artist to any specific ideologies or methods, but rather offering the practical tools and spiritual insights that guide such artists into their intended haven.

    This is but one of my many dreams for the arts, and I wish to pursue this "calling" just as much as I pursue my calling to be an artist, worshipper, and creative. Any thoughts?

    ReplyDelete
  3. yes. i have a thought. you should pray toward starting the foundation you dreamed about! Seriously.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment