For artists like me, the phrase “patron to the arts” can feel old-fashioned—like something from a Renaissance painting. But it’s still very real today. In fact, without the modern equivalent of patrons—whether that’s a friend who buys your work, an organization that offers grants, or a stranger who donates to your creative project—many of us wouldn’t be able to keep going.
I’ve had people back my work in small but powerful ways. A one-time buyer who turned into a repeat collector. A friend who believed in my potential before I did. Even someone who just paid more than I asked because they valued what I created. These folks may not call themselves patrons, but that’s exactly what they are.
What surprised me the most was realizing that support rarely shows up how you expect. I used to think a patron meant someone rich who would commission ten paintings at once. But more often, it’s been a fellow artist buying a $30 print because they know what it takes to keep going. Or a friend who shares every new thing I put out. Or someone emailing me months after seeing my work just to say it stuck with them. These moments add up. They’ve kept me going when I wasn’t sure anyone cared.
Patron to the arts: What it looks like today
Today’s patrons are no longer aristocrats commissioning ceiling frescoes (though that sounds pretty great). Now, a patron to the arts might be a neighbor subscribing to your newsletter, a nonprofit giving you a grant, or a business that sponsors your next show. Patrons come in all forms—individuals, communities, brands—and their support doesn’t always have to be financial.
Patronage is just belief made visible. And in the most encouraging moments, it feels like someone saying, “I see what you're doing—keep going.”
Key Points
- Small-scale patronage matters just as much as big donations. A single person buying one print can keep your studio afloat.
- Make it easy for people to become patrons by showing them how to support you—via your website, newsletter, or even casual conversations.
- Don't wait to be “worthy.” Build relationships, share your work consistently, and give people a reason to care. They might surprise you.
Types of patrons to the arts (and how to find them)
Over time, I’ve noticed there are different kinds of patrons, and knowing who you’re talking to helps. Some people are looking to invest in art. Others just want to support a cause they believe in. I've found it helpful to think in terms of their motivations.
Individual collectors and casual buyers
These are the folks who show up at open studios, find you through Instagram, or stumble across your shop online. They might buy something because it makes them feel something. They’re often your earliest backers—and your most loyal ones.
Some of my best experiences have come from people who found me through a blog post or video, liked the vibe, and reached out. I've met collectors this way who have become genuine friends. The connection starts with the art, but it often grows into something deeper.
If you're not sure how to start selling, here's a guide I put together on selling art online. It breaks things down step-by-step.
Art grants and nonprofit support
Many artists don't realize how much grant money is available—or how accessible it can be. I avoided applying for grants for years because I didn’t feel “serious enough.” When I finally applied, I realized the hardest part is just getting started. If you can describe what you’re doing and why it matters, you’re already halfway there.
I’ve written about some of the best options in this art grants guide, and even if you’re just getting started, it’s worth applying.
Grants often come with networking opportunities, exhibition space, and press exposure—things that build long-term support.
Community sponsors and small businesses
Sometimes, your best patron is the coffee shop down the street. Local businesses might be open to hosting a show, buying work for their space, or donating to your next project. These relationships are more than financial—they embed your work into your local ecosystem.
In my experience, these opportunities usually don’t come from cold emails. They come from being visible in your community—talking to people, showing your face, being genuinely interested in what others are doing. You don’t need to pitch anything right away. Just be part of the ecosystem and offer value.
You can even include sponsorship options in your artist proposal to make the partnership feel official.
Ways to attract and sustain patrons
When someone wants to support your art, they’re really supporting you. So the more clearly you communicate your identity and process, the easier it is for them to connect.
Make your story visible
Start with a clear artist bio and artist statement that explain why you make what you make. Create an artist profile on your site that gives a human context to your work.
I used to worry that talking about myself would feel self-indulgent. But I’ve learned that people actually want to know the human behind the work. It’s not about selling yourself—it’s about inviting people into your world.
Use your website like a studio tour
Think of your website as a space patrons are walking through. Keep it simple and up to date. If you need examples, I collected a few of my favorite artist websites for inspiration.
One tip I found useful: pretend someone’s visiting your site for the first time with no context. Can they tell what you do, how to support you, and where to go next within 30 seconds?
If you’re optimizing your site for search, here’s my guide to SEO for artist websites. It’ll help you get found by people already looking for what you offer.
Offer a range of entry points
Not everyone can buy a $2,000 painting. But maybe they’ll buy a $20 print. Or subscribe to your newsletter. Or share your post. I’ve talked more about pricing and approach in my article on how to make money from artwork.
I try to give people multiple ways to say “yes.” That includes prints, courses, zines, original pieces, and even digital downloads. It’s not about lowering the value of your work—it’s about meeting people where they’re at.
These small actions build long-term support. They also signal to future patrons that your work is already valued.
A note to those who want to be patrons
You don’t have to be wealthy or connected to be a patron to the arts. You just have to care.
Buy something from a local artist. Subscribe to their updates. Share their work. Tell them what it meant to you. These are small things—but from the artist's side, they matter more than you know.
If you’ve ever felt unsure how to talk about art, or afraid of saying the “wrong thing,” don’t worry. Just be honest. Here’s a piece I wrote on how to talk about art that breaks it down in a non-intimidating way.
What does “patron of the arts” mean?
A patron of the arts is someone who supports artists or artistic projects, either financially or through other forms of encouragement like promotion, space, or community.
What is an example of a patron of the arts?
An example could be a nonprofit giving grants to artists, a collector who regularly buys artwork, or a business sponsoring an artist’s exhibition.
What is someone who supports the arts called?
They’re often called patrons, supporters, backers, or arts advocates. The term “patron” has the most historical weight but all of them fit.
What does it mean to be a patron of a museum?
It typically means you donate money or resources to support the museum’s exhibitions, acquisitions, or programming. Many museums have tiered patron programs with different perks.
Who was a patron of the arts?
Historically, the Medici family in Renaissance Italy is one of the most famous examples. They funded artists like Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. Today, patrons might be individuals, nonprofits, or businesses.
What does patron mean?
In general, a patron is someone who gives support to a person, cause, or organization. In the arts, it refers to someone who supports artistic work.