Conference The Art of Asking –  Strategies of patronage solicitation through the ages in music, literature, visual arts, and intellectual culture (Universiteit Utrecht)

Cultural patronage has a long, colorful, and complex history. Writers, visual artists, composers, and scholars have sought out the support of rich or well-connected private patrons for centuries, and have interacted with their private benefactors in a variety of ways. The premise underpinning the conference ‘The art of asking’ is the assumption that historical exchange patterns might serve as useful examples of patronage practices for today’s makers and cultural institutions – and, moreover, that a better understanding of historical patronage patterns may help contextualize modern day practices.

With this conference, we aim to explore these premises by focusing on one particular aspect of the history of patronage. Whereas most existing research puts the efforts and achievements of the patron in the center of attention, we will concentrate on mapping the strategies of the (potential) recipients of support. How have artists and thinkers, through the ages, asked their (prospective) private patrons for support?

A total of 10 international scholars will discuss the way(s) creators active in the fields of literature, visual arts, music and intellectual culture, in present and past have historically put forward their requests for backing and protection of private patrons. Four prominent figures from the Dutch cultural and policy sector will act as their referents.

More information about the program and speakers can be found at the Patronage Studies Knowledge Center.

Date: November 15, 2024
Time: 9:00 (walk-in) – 18:00 (end), including lunch, drinks and coffee/tea
Location: Booth Room University Library Science Park, Heidelberglaan 3, 3584 CS Utrecht
Attendance fee: € 15.00 (for students € 7.50)

Please register via this link.

Are you a student? Then please register here.

Organization: Helleke van den Braber (Utrecht University, Chair of Patronage Studies), Nina Geerdink (Utrecht University), Klazina Botke (VU Amsterdam/Teylers Museum), Floris Meens (Radboud University) and Arjen Dijkstra (Tresoar).