The New Art Patronage:

Exploring New Models for Supporting Artistic Excellence

Sustaining serious artistic work is becoming increasingly difficult. As institutions drift away from beauty, craft, and tradition, many artists are turning to alternative models of support to maintain their independence and pursue meaningful work.

On 8th April 2025, the Roger Scruton Legacy Foundation hosted an online conversation featuring artists who are doing exactly that. Moderator Dr Lola Salem, a consultant and scholar with expertise in culture and the arts, was joined by:

• Clifton Duncan, a classically trained actor and singer who turned to independent funding to develop his one-man play on Thomas Sowell;

• Samuel Andreyev, a Strasbourg-based composer pioneering new ways to fund composition and connect directly with audiences; and

• Fen de Villiers, a British sculptor creating bold, powerful works through private commissions that bypass institutional trends.

These artists have found ways to build sustainable careers without compromising their vision. Through their various perspectives and experiences, the panel explored ideas for artists seeking creative independence, patrons eager to support serious work, and anyone invested in the future of culture.

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