This is probably the question of questions. Or actually, there are two important issues to consider: how far might the sponsor exert his influence on the work of art, and in what way should he benefit from it?

Concerning the first, I think that the sponsor or patron should have the right to outline what he is prepared to pay for and be informed as to use of his money as well as the design of the work.

He should however not interfere with the actual form or content, nor must he put the artist under pressure. Should van Gogh decide to paint sunflowers, the sponsor should not oblige him to paint water lilies. Should Beethoven choose to write a great symphony with soloists and orchestra, the sponsor should not demand a ballet instead. Svyatoslav Richter did presumably not require your advice as to how to employ the pedal in a Chopin prelude.

And of course there is always the difference between commissioning and sponsoring a work of art. To sponsor means to generously provide means that enable a project or a talent to emerge.

I suppose this requires a great amount of knowledge and common trust between the partners. It might be advisable to outline wishes, or even conditions of the sponsor before the work is actually commissioned or the artist begins to work. Maybe the sponsor needs some guidance in order to formulate his ideas and to find something that will give him pleasure to fund. True sponsorship is something very personal and involves not only finances but also enthusiasm, interest and an emotional attachment. This, by the way, is one of the ideas Classeek stands for: if you feel the urge to support the arts but do not know how to go about it or what to sponsor, we will try and give you individual advice. For one thing, on this platform you can find artists and projects that are recommended by experienced specialists and which you might normally not be aware of.

Many young talents simply require sponsorship for the great investment they need to make into their profession: make photos and create a website, buy a decent concert dress or an instrument, travel to auditions or take part in masterclasses. More often than not, they simply need to cover their living costs while studying, practising and rehearsing. In short, there are countless ways of sponsoring artists and new works of art, and any kind of sponsorship is always welcomed with deep gratitude.

How much you yourself might expect to benefit from your sponsorship is another philosophical question that will become the topic of another blog.