Montblanc Honors Art Patrons

By Chung Ah-young

Staff Reporter

Successful artists are appreciated and applauded, often receiving awards at ceremonies around the world. In contrast, very little attention is paid to individuals who support these artists.

Since 1992, the Montblanc Cultural Foundation has attempted to arouse public attention to relatively neglected art patrons who have contributed to what artists have achieved.

``There are so many awards going to artists for performances and the quality of arts such as Golden Globe Awards, Oscar Awards. But nobody is singing the song of a hidden hero behind the stage,’’ said Wolff Heinrichsdorff, chairman of the foundation.

Montblanc, a German manufacturer of writing instruments, created the Montblanc de la Culture Arts Patronage Award in 1992, along with the foundation, to support and honor modern patrons of the arts who have given their time, energy and money to enhance arts and culture.

The award is conferred on outstanding art patrons whose personal commitment and achievements deserve international recognition.

Heinrichsdorff said an international panel of jurors selects a winner, a person who helps artists develop their talents without financial difficulties, from each of 10 countries.

``In our case, jury members are artists; winners are patrons who have never been in the limelight. We pull them into the limelight as wonderful examples of social responsibility, because I am deeply convinced that culture is the backbone of civilization,’’ he said.