Patronage
Patronage has been a deeply rooted practice for centuries, whereby wealthy individuals have supported artists and scientists to devote their time to the honorable crafts of creation and research.
Historically, patronage served dual purposes. Firstly, patrons, driven by aesthetic appreciation, sponsored their favored artists for personal gratification: they relished access to great literary works, paintings, sculptures, and musical pieces. Secondly, at different points in history, becoming a patron was also a means of social ascent.
Regardless of the motivation, the institution of patronage has facilitated the creation of significant works that have enriched humanity for generations. Patronage redefines money; it is no longer merely a medium for exchange or payment but becomes a facilitator that generates spaces for creation and dialogue. This enables the flourishing of voices that would have otherwise been irreversibly suppressed by societal injustice. Whether we enjoy art or literature, use electronic devices, or dream of traveling to the stars, we have indirectly benefited from patronage from bygone eras.
Yet, we can further reshape the idea of patronage in light of challenging and oppressive capitalism, racism, injustice, xenophobia, and indifference ―reshape it so that it becomes a tool to confront our era and our struggle. May patronage be the trust that creative and critical works serve the good of humanity, that collective effort is far more important than money, and that we can build a society where everyone has the right to contribute regardless of their status, their nationality, their financial capacity, their gender and the color of their skin. May patronage be a real tool to create a fairer, more humane, and dignified world for all.
Through your patronage, we will continue to give space to divergent voices, especially those of Black and femme individuals. We will provide you with priority access to their creations so that you can intimately connect with the ideas we aim to share with the entire world.
If you’re already: Thank you for your continued patronage.