Art, Artists, and the Crowd :a philosophical investigation into the implications of crowdfunding for the role of the artist

Abstract

The emergence of crowdfunding has disrupted traditional modes of patronage and have effects yet to be analysed fully. In this paper, I examine crowdfunding’s implications for the role of the artist. I focus specifically on the views of the artist as educator; the artist as progressive dissident or critic; and the artist as creator of aesthetically successful art objects. I show that crowdfunding’s implications are neither wholly negative nor wholly positive; instead, I argue that the strategic use of the platforms under certain conditions enables the successful functioning of the artist’s role, as well as providing scope for greater creative independence and popular participation in supporting the arts. I shall, moreover, argue that the uncritical use of crowdfunding platforms poses serious threats to the artist’s ability to perform her role, and can result in the commodification of art and patronage thereby compromising what is thought valuable in art.