The process of art creation has ebbed and flowed, evolving at every turn, throughout developments in history. Patronage is a concept first developed in ancient times when nobles and royalties started commissioning art pieces for their households. However, this concept has grown to become something much bigger.
Patrons Historically
The idea behind patronage in the art world is simple yet extremely effective. An interested party reaches out to the artists, commissions a piece of art, and pays for it to be created. However, throughout centuries, prominent patrons have managed to leave their mark on the history of art.
Some of the most popular names in art we still hear to this day are Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. These legendary creators were able to make their ingenious ideas come to life because of their patrons, who supported them both socially and financially.
A sculpture of David by Michelangelo
The Renaissance was a period when patronage played a critical role in the overall advancement of the world. Support spread beyond just art, and patrons were happily backing philosophers, scientists, writers, and scholars. This boom of creativity resulted in the global advancement of science and culture. Thanks to patrons in the past, the foundations for modern-day art theory, literature, and scientific development were established.
Patronage is vital for humanity on a wider scale; however, it is absolutely essential for artists. Having the support of a patron means that the artist is secure in terms of finance and can unleash their creativity without restraints or concerns when it comes to funding. This safety net patrons provide is one of the most liberating milestones for an artists’ creative process.
Modern-day Patrons
Today, patronage is taking on new forms as technology advances and opens new opportunities for artists and supporters. Modern-day patrons are not constrained by their physical location and have the chance to influence the art world globally.
While the Medici family was limited to their confined region in Florence, Italy, were they in the same position today, they would have left their mark worldwide, supporting artists all around the globe. Nowadays, we have access to global means of communication, payment platforms, and crowdfunding events, which means that patrons and artists no longer have to be in the same room for the magic to happen.
Unfortunately, this freedom can sometimes be overwhelming. Art collectors and supporters have been lulled into putting their trust in auction houses and art dealers instead of communicating with artists themselves. This centralized monopolization of the art world has hampered the free flow of information between patrons and creators. Thankfully, as technology advances, new solutions emerge that can help remedy this connection.
Minty.Art - connecting artist and patrons on the blockchain
Minty.Art is a revolutionary platform taking on the challenge to reshape the art world by giving back artists and patrons the chance to communicate directly and freely. By utilizing the innate security and flexibility of blockchain technology, Minty.Art offers patrons the opportunity to see firsthand what emerging artists are up to and support them in their projects.
When you become a patron on Minty.Art you get access to pre-sale pitches created by artists themselves. These pitches include sketches, ideas, and plans for future development, but most importantly, allow patrons to be a part of the creative process. When patrons fund a project on Minty.Art they become infinitely involved in the artwork.
Patronage through Minty.Art also guarantees supporters that they will receive a non-fungible token (NFT) when the artwork is finished. This NFT serves as the authenticity certificate, which is forever-etched on the blockchain and cannot be falsified or altered. In other words, Minty.Art facilitates the communication between patrons and artists, but also ensures that both parties are secure. Patrons have their investment in the art project recorded and authenticated through a unique NFT, while artists get the financial support they need to make their ideas a reality.
The Minty.Art platform is a hub of creativity where artists get the chance to express their ideas freely and in a manner they deem fit. On the other hand, patrons get to be involved in the creative process as they follow the project’s development each step of the way. This uninterrupted connection between patron and artist is what makes the creative process much more rewarding for both sides.
Are you interested in becoming a patron? Sign up here!