Is Sponsoring Art Contradictory?

Sponsoring the arts seems like a bit of a contradiction in terms.   Not unlike NASCAR or other more traditional entities that have heavy sponsor involvement – many sectors of what would be considered art requires sponsor investment to maintain itself.   These sponsors literally keep the lights on.

Sponsoring the arts is a fairly American activity that took root during the 1960’s; it’s not common for corporations in Europe to support the arts similarly to what we see here.  Thanks to this activity arts in North America will continue to flourish.

In fairness, the companies aren’t sponsoring these exhibits simply out of kindness of their hearts – there is intrinsic value from these relationships.  These sponsorship produce a large number of impressions for the sponsor – and very positive impressions at that!