Prof. Dr. Helleke van den Braber teaches and writes about the cultural function of patronage and about theories of artistry, citizenship, power, creativity, autonomy, identity and legitimacy.

Patronage studies

The interdisciplinary field of patronage studies examines giving relationships between artists and benefactors. It asks not only how and why benefactors give to the arts, but also how and why artists and cultural institutions accept that support. Patronage is a game of give and take that has its own rituals, ideals, taboos and sensitivities. The Chair in Patronage Studies was established to map and interpret this complex cultural practice.

Themes

With its focus on patronage and cultural funding, the chair covers a wide range of themes: cultural participation, heritage, citizenship and identity in a broad cultural-historical, political and socio-economic perspective.