Title: The Role of Art in Government & Politics | Bizfluent
Headings: The Role of Art in Government & Politics
The Role of Art in Government & Politics
Patronage in History
Modern Patronage
Art as Politics
Political Backlash
Expert Insight

Content: This is especially true of modern times, as many artists express political and social views through their work. Patronage in History
Historically, political authorities have been a source of patronage for artists. During the Middle Ages, the Roman Catholic Church, a political power in its own right, commissioned religious-themed paintings and sculptures. Arts patronage increased during the Renaissance, as politically powerful families, such as the Medici in Florence, Italy, supported prominent painters, sculptors and musicians. Modern Patronage
Although today’s artists, from painters and sculptors to musicians and filmmakers, rely less on government as a source of support, patronage lives on in state arts organizations and federal agencies such as the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). Congress created the NEA in 1965 as an independent agency to support and promote artistic endeavors. The endowment provides grants to museums, theater groups and other arts projects and entities. Art as Politics
As artists derived more of their livelihood from the sale, exhibition and performance of their work, they grew less reliant on government and political authorities for patronage. As time passed, the visual and performing arts became more politically provocative, with artists using their work to make statements or highlight certain issues. Pablo Picasso’s famous painting “Guernica” stands as one example.