Shape of Philanthropy
Aaron P. Dworkin
In the shadows of halls
Where creativity sparks
Funders lie fundamental
Stirring the artistic tide
Catalyst to center stage
An aside of diligence.
Their influence is felt
Through painted dreams and storytelling
Brush strokes and fervent lines of script
The chisel of a sculptor
And architect’s musical design.
Visionaries who see beyond the show
With understanding to serve
As benefactors to a role
Necessary in illuminated society.
They nurture the soil
Sowing the scales
For boldness amidst fragility
Upon which the arts
Can become the guardians
Vital for democracy.
Within the hue of every sponsored note
Seeds of perspectives cultivate
Preserving a patron past
Devising a future constructed
With the capital of humanity.
This is articulate power
Held in community trust
Turning aspiration into realization
Crafting tomorrow from today
Ensuring culture remains a part
Of our totality.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Named a 2005 MacArthur Fellow, President Obama’s first appointment to the National Council on the Arts and member of President Biden’s Arts Policy Committee, Aaron P. Dworkin is former dean and current Professor of Arts Leadership & Entrepreneurship at the University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre & Dance. Aaron is a best-selling writer and poetjournalist having authored his poetry collection, They Said I Wasn’t Really Black, along with four other books including his memoir, Uncommon Rhythm: A Black, White, Jewish, Jehovah's Witness, Irish-Catholic Adoptee's Journey to Leadership, and The Entrepreneurial Artist: Lessons from Highly Successful Creatives.
Read more about Aaron here.
