Business and the arts are often portrayed as adversaries, but businesses are often patrons of art. Companies today actively engage the art community in many ways, some of which include:
- Donating works of art to museums
- Sponsoring large-scale performances, such as a city ballet or symphony-orchestra
- Supporting local museums and art initiatives which bring art opportunities to schoolchildren
- Providing volunteers or funds for community art projects
- Funding historic preservation
Why does business engage this issue?
Business has resources. Businesses’ concentrated capital allows them to support some venues and groups which otherwise would be unable to continue their artistic endeavors. These works of beauty, both objects and performances, are part of the creative spirit of the community in which they reside, and business leaders are often inspired to use the resources at their disposal to promote the arts. They also encourage communities to use the arts to promote other issues which matter to the community such as education, health, and disaster recovery.