Session 12
Chaired by Helen Leitner (UK/Germany), artist relations manager, Camac Harps
with Gert Wijnalda (The Netherlands), business director, Dutch Harp Festival
Music has always had a relationship with patronage, be it from the court, the state, charitable foundations or supportive individuals. This is because you have to invest in music, in order to draw out riches that are real, but not fiscal.
Funding from disinterested sources (public money, grants) is under ever-increasing pressure. Business sponsorship offers a sustainable alternative which can be of enormous benefit to both artist and sponsor - if both sides understand each other. As with any other good relationship, integrity is vital for successful business sponsorship. This requires a clear-sighted definition in today’s musical marketplace.