10 – 14 May 2014
Free, no booking required
Philanthropy Today: Nicolas Cattelain & Karen Levy in conversation with Sebastien Montabonel
Saturday 10 May 13.00 – 15.00
Victoria Gallery & Museum lecture theatre, FREE, no booking required
With the current uncertain economic climate, and cuts to public funding for the arts set to continue, cultural organisations are encouraged to look beyond the state for income and support and thus the need for private philanthropy has never been more important. But who are the philanthropists of the 21st century? What motivates them? Do they share the same social conscience of their historical predecessors? What is the role of the private collection in the public collection? How can museums and galleries unlock the potential of philanthropy in these tough economic times? And, can we build 21st century collections together?
Against the backdrop of Nothing Beautiful Unless Useful and the enlightened socialist philanthropy of Thomas Horsfall in the 19th century, Nicolas Cattelain and Karen Levy, two major European collectors, will discuss the nature of philanthropy today in conversation with Sebastien Montabonel (Post-War & Contemporary Art Advisor and Partner – Montabonel Fabres).
 14 May 14.00 – 16.30
 Art, Philanthropy, Clubs and Museums in the Late Victorian Era
Victoria Gallery & Museum lecture theatre, FREE, no booking required
This roundtable discussion brings together Kate Hill, Michael Harrison and Tom Steele, three researchers whose work has investigated philanthropy, collecting as well as the education and social role of museums and art clubs in the late Victorian era.
The speakers will give presentations on the birth of the civic museum in England, Thomas Horsfall’s Manchester Art Museum (1886-1953) and the Leeds Arts Club (1903-1923), especially under the directorship of educationalist and art collector Michael Sadler.
For more info, please visit http://vgm.liv.ac.uk/nothingbeautiful/