The Patrons of Contemporary Art Program and the collection of the Pinacoteca do Estado de São Paulo

Abstract

Maintained by the Pinacoteca do Estado de São Paulo since 2012, the Patronos da Arte Contemporânea (Patrons of Contemporary Art) program allowed the institution to acquire more than 130 pieces in 11 years. These purchases change the percentage of women artists represented in the museum, include the first works of contemporary indigenous artists, expand the set of Afro-Brazilian artists and insert in the collection categories of language that were absent or little explored, such as video and performance art. Favorable for the institution, the partnership also brings benefits to patrons, but raises the discussion of ethical issues. The analysis of the program inspires the consideration of measures that allow a balance between interests related to artistic heritage and those related to the art market.

Keywords

Acquisition policies; musealization of art; funding of public museums; Pinacoteca do Estado de São Paulo; Patrons of Contemporary Art.