Towards a politicized arts philanthropy? Corporate social responsibility and the arts in the UK

As a result of recent government cuts to public funding for the arts in the UK the encouragement of private philanthropy has become a widespread practice, even if not new, supported by an unprecedented professionalization of fundraising in the sector. However, less discussed is the impact or social significance of arts philanthropy, especially in view of the claim that philanthropy is intrinsic to the maintenance of the conditions necessary for the capitalist mode of production. This paper thus discusses the potential of artistic production and consumption practices to produce views and knowledge that challenge and question the status quo under such an increased reliance of private funding. It explores the possibility of a politicized form of arts philanthropy by highlighting the recent controversial donation by BP (British Petroleum), as an instance of corporate social responsibility towards the arts, to fund some of London’s key cultural institutions, including Tate Modern.