The history of art has long been underpinned and shaped by generous acts. From big customers in Europe to visionaries who set up collections of great American museums, supporting art is often synonymous with public duty, an obligation that is closely linked to wealth, power, and influence. In recent years, the concept of “female” has attracted people’s attention because women’s intentional customers in art today are intentional customers. But it is important not to see it as a new evolution, nor is it a response to some 21st century 21st century to male-dominated art sponsorship. The reality is that this is a long history that women continue, a long history that drives the development of artistic philanthropy, usually behind the scenes.
In many historic times, philanthropy was a male activity. Women rarely control their wealth, but instead focus on donating here and there, and raise money through social activities. Any grand act of kindness or responsibility is the realm of mankind. Therefore, women who want to make an impact must have strategic significance, often including “neglected” reasons like artistic avant-garde, which is considered too extreme and worthy of male charity. Abby Aldrich Rockefeller was “hate modern art” and his husband John D. Rockefeller Jr.
Long before they write a check, vote, or hold any institutional power, women use their network, creativity and determination to transform the cultural landscape by embracing artists and funding institutions. Aldridge is not alone. In 1929, she and Lillie P. Bliss and Mary Quinn Sullivan brought together their vision and influence to build avant-garde institutions that challenged the norms of their time to create a space that allowed modern art to flourish. Their vision is based on precedents of other great women, such as Cooper Hewitt and Isabella Stewart Gardner with her museum of the same name in Boston, followed by Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, and dedicated to creating museums for American artists. Even in the 16th century, Isabella D’Este positioned himself as one of Europe’s most powerful cultural customers. She lives in a predominantly male world, and she commissioned master committee works such as Titian and Raphael in her marching capacity, who understand that supporting artists is not just an act of luxury, but one of influence, a way to shape culture and history.
See: These are the women who built New York’s greatest art museum
All of this combines us today for how art philanthropy redefines the cultural landscape to improve society’s framework. Women are often the driving force behind giving back, and the reason why these stories are so compelling is not only the scale of the contribution, but the vision behind them. These women have no status or recognition. They gave creation something lasting.
Today, women may not be subject to restrictions faced by their predecessors, but as art philanthropists, they continue to redefine what it means to support art. Agnes Gund is one of the most influential philanthropists and art customers who brilliantly sells Roy Lichtenstein’s masterpiece To build the art of justice funding, millions of dollars were instructed to address mass incarceration in the United States. In harnessing her influence, she proves that art and activism can go hand in hand. Gund’s trainee Sarah Arison is now one of the outstanding figures supporting emerging artists and ensuring the next generation of creators get the guidance and resources they need to thrive. Laurene Powell Jobs invests in art education and creative youth programs that connect art to social impact. Maja Hoffmann transformed Luma Arles into a lab, art, science and technology, reimagining the role of institutions in today’s cultural landscape.
These women are building on the grand tradition of female leadership and influence in the art, which goes beyond Flash and Pomp and write the biggest checks to remind everyone of the intent and the power of trust. They are the people who constantly reshape the world how philanthropy sees philanthropy, supported by inherent belief that art has the power to shape society.
“I believe [art] Not only enriches the spiritual life, but also makes people more rational and sympathetic, more observing and understanding, no matter what age it originates from, no matter what theme it represents.” ~ Abby Aldrich Rockefeller
