Businesses are closed, people are worried about their work, their homes, their families and friends. They’re concerned about where to get milk, bread, flour, and what’s going to happen to their gym memberships.
And yet the world still turns. Not least the art world. With artworks behind locked doors around the world, there is, nevertheless, hope for the art industry, emanating from the galleries and also from the artists. There are remarkable efforts in this time of crisis, green-shooting out of despair and hope in equal measure.
Governments are proclaiming the funding they have put in place for art institutions, although whether it will be enough to see them through the COVID-19 closures remains to be seen. In Singapore, the government has set aside S$1.6 million in subsidies; in the UK, the Arts Council has pledged £160 million, while in the US, The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York reported facing a US$100 million loss during closure in the pandemic and will be heavily reliant on its US$3.6 billion endowment. Smaller, less-renowned galleries in the US and many others in every city around the world will not have this luxury, and survival is going to be a serious challenge for those outside the nationally funded sector.
Donations are starting to appear around the world, with the super-wealthy stepping up to the plate in these difficult times, and it could well be that some of the money finds its way to the arts. But it’s a difficult ‘sell’ when there is so much hardship in so many other areas.
This story is from the June 2020 edition of Robb Report Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 2020 edition of Robb Report Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Luxe Hold Hands
'Tis the season for the best luxury collaborations across motoring, watches and fashion.
TIMELY PURSUITS
The CEO of Sincere Fine Watches, Ong Ban, on evolving expectations of luxury watch retail.
Don't Ride This Wave* *Unless your name is Hamilton, Slater or Moore
The 2024 Olympic surfing competition will be held at Tahiti's Teahupo'o, a monster swell that rears up over a razor-sharp reef. Going for gold could be deadly.
Carpe Diem
JW Marriott’s Stay in the Moment experience encourages guests to embrace the fleeting yet profoundly meaningful moments of life at JW Marriott Jeju Resort Spa.
A Week in Peru
Well-heeled epicureans can get a true taste of the South American country’s majestic landscapes, culture and cuisine with Scott Dunn Private.
Waves Of Memories
Shaped by time and coastal embrace, Glenglassaugh’s Serpentine Coastal Cask Collection—aged since the 1970s—will inspire ruminations and reminiscences.
Heartwarming Spirit
On the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, we make a stop at Michter’s, an all-American whisky distillery that’s more alive than ever.
Building Possibilities
A newcomer is poised to make a name for itself in the world of spirits—introducing Neit, maker of Irish whisky.
This Month's Feed
Only the best dining and drinking spots in Singapore.
In The Studio With Annie Morris
Between multiple shows across three continents—not to mention a home renovation—the British artist has a lot to do.