John Studzinski receives the Montblanc de la Culture Arts Patronage Award

The 2017 limited-edition Montblanc Patron of Art pen, awarded to all of this year's winners of the Montblanc de la Culture Arts Patronage Award
The 2017 limited-edition Montblanc Patron of Art pen, awarded to all of this year's winners of the Montblanc de la Culture Arts Patronage Award Credit: Dave Benett/Getty Images

Now that PAD is packed up and the Frieze frenzy over for another year, a more under-the-radar annual event celebrates not the artists and creators themselves, but those who help make art happen: no mean feat given budget cuts and withdrawal of public support. The Montblanc de la Culture Arts Patronage Award pays tribute to art patrons, the often behind-the-scenes figures on whose support up-and-coming artists are often completely reliant.

Established in 1992, every year the award, staged by the Montblanc Cultural Foundation, honours a number of winners in 17 countries, each selected by an international jury of art experts for their personal commitment to the arts and - importantly - public enjoyment of it. This year’s UK winner is John Studzinski CBE, the American-born investment banker and philanthropist, who founded the Genesis Foundation, which offers financial and practical support to young directors, playwrights, actors and musicians in the early stages of their careers.

Sam Bardaouil, Kevin Boltman, John Studzinski and Till Fellrath at the Montblanc de la Culture Arts Patronage Award
Sam Bardaouil, Kevin Boltman, John Studzinski and Till Fellrath at the Montblanc de la Culture Arts Patronage Award Credit: Dave Benett/Getty Images

“My ethos has always been about the three Ts: time, talent and treasure,” said Studzinski at a ceremony held at the British Museum, whose upcoming exhibition Living with Gods he is supporting. “It’s not just about giving money, it’s about giving time to listening, nurturing and mentoring young artists. Through the Genesis Foundation we’ve created an extraordinary network around the world where people can pick up the phone and talk to each other regularly.”

“It can be very lonely to be in a profession on your own trying to make decisions, and if you come from one type of background perhaps your parents have already afforded you that type of network,” he continued. “But if you’re not from that background it can be difficult to become an active participant. And that’s what the Genesis Foundation helps to achieve.”

The Montblanc de la Culture Arts Patronage Award ceremony was held at the British Museum, whose upcoming exhibition award winner John Studzinski is supporting
The Montblanc de la Culture Arts Patronage Award ceremony was held at the British Museum, whose upcoming exhibition award winner John Studzinski is supporting Credit: Dave Benett/Getty Images 

Since being established in 2001, the Genesis Foundation has worked with over 1,000 budding creatives, giving them a springboard via financial grants, scholarships, commissioning work and providing access to mentors at its prestigious partner organisations, which include the National Theatre and the Young Vic. Rufus Norris, artistic director of the National Theatre, was the Genesis Foundation’s first Young Director scholar. “In 10 to 15 years time almost every theatre director coming to prominence in the UK will have been supported by John and the Genesis Foundation,” Norris commented in a video created for the awards ceremony.

Studzinski receives €15,000 for the Genesis Foundation, along with a limited-edition Montblanc Patron of Art pen. In receiving the award he joins a network of winners over the last 26 years, including the likes of Prince Charles, Quincy Jones, Renzo Piano and Yoko Ono. “I’ve been delighted to build the Genesis network over the years and I’m even more delighted to be part of the Montblanc de La Culture network,” he said.

Till Fellrath and Sam Bardaouil 
Till Fellrath and Sam Bardaouil  Credit:  Dave Benett/Getty Images

“The Montblanc de la Culture Arts Patronage Award really celebrates the spirit of patronage - those people who save others with the change that comes through the arts,” said Sam Bardaouil, who, along with Till Fellrath, is co-founder of curatorial platform Art Reoriented and chairman of the Montblanc Cultural Foundation. “When you support young artists and give them a chance to learn, grow and achieve their full potential then give back to society through their art, you are allowing people to see the world in new ways and understand who they are. This is what John and the Genesis Foundation stand for and it is a great honour to award him with the Montblanc Arts Patronage Award.”

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