February 20, 2009

An Argument for Supporting 'Big Art'

In her new book, Patronizing the Arts (Princeton University Press, 2008), Marjorie Garber explores the history of patronage, from the Medici family to modern-day corporate sponsors. She concludes that universities are natural but underappreciated patrons of the arts, and calls upon them to support "Big Art" as they do "Big Science" and "Big Sports." Ms. Garber is a professor of English at Harvard University and chairman of its visualand environmental-studies department. Following are excerpts