"Art Patrons Behind the Curtain: How Private Support Shapes Public Culture" Three stories of quiet influence and bold commitment to young talent.
- Yuliana Arles
- 1 day ago
- 11 min read
In December 2025, the final of the Teen Art Awards took place in Doha — not merely as an art event, but as a convergence point of cultures, generations, and meaning. It is difficult to overstate the scale and significance of the third season of the Teen Art Awards, whose finale unfolded within The Teen Hub, supported by Qatar Museums, Christie’s, the British Council, and a circle of visionary partners. This was more than a competition. It was an encounter where culture, education, diplomacy, and art came together in their most vibrant, unfiltered form.
Under one roof, dozens of young voices from across the globe gathered to speak about identity, technology, and the right to be heard. And yet, behind the lights, behind the finalists’ works, there are always those who remain in the shadows. The ones who make such projects possible in the first place.
This conversation is about them. About the patrons and partners who believe in art when it is still searching for its voice.
The first of these voices is Dr Waseem Kotoub — a man in whom science, music, and cultural diplomacy converge with surprising ease. A medical doctor by training, a concert pianist and composer by calling, Dr. Kotoub has spent years building bridges — between countries, institutions, and people — through his work at the British Council in Qatar.
His path is one of systemic creation: from leading major international programmes in culture and education to developing initiatives where music becomes a language of connection for children on the autism spectrum.
For him, supporting projects like Teen Art Awards is not a one-time gesture but part of a long-term strategy: to create spaces where young people can not only learn, but be heard on a global stage.
The second voice in this dialogue is Elisa Niyogisubizo — an artist, curator, and African ambassador of Teen Art Awards. Born in Rwanda, Elisa has shaped his artistic path outside academic frameworks, driven by an inner necessity to tell the stories of his continent. As the founder of Sundays Art Hub in Kigali, he works at the intersection of art, education, and technology, building platforms for young East African artists.
His contribution to the project extends far beyond organizing applications or workshops — it is a living dialogue between teenagers from Africa and the global art scene. For Elisa, supporting the Teen Art Awards is a way of giving the next generation not just a stage, but the confidence that their voices matter in the international conversation on art.
The third participant in this interview has chosen to remain anonymous — and there is a quiet poetry in that. Their support is not measured in titles or public recognition, but in trust. Sometimes, patronage is a silent gesture made without expectation of applause or visibility. A simple belief that meaning matters more than names, and contribution more than credit.
This conversation is about those who stood close. Not watching young artists from afar, but helping their voices carry. These three figures are vastly different — in profession, geography, and how they choose to move through the world. But what unites them is a shared understanding: that supporting art is not charity in the conventional sense. It is participation in shaping the cultural fabric of the future. It is a contribution to the life stories of young artists, to the narrative of their generation, and to a world that is only beginning to learn how to truly listen.
I invite you to read the full interview and uncover how empowering young artists is not only an act of cultural legacy, but also a visionary investment in the future — where influence, innovation, and impact begin with those brave enough to believe in untold stories.
Yuliana Arles: What does the Teen Art Awards mean to you personally, and why did you decide to support it?
Dr Waseem Kotoub: The Teen Art Awards inspired me because they represent a unique platform where young voices can be amplified at a critical stage in their development. Too often, teenage creativity is overlooked or dismissed as “in progress,” but this project treats it with the seriousness and respect it deserves. I was drawn to the courage and authenticity of the participants, who are not only expressing themselves but also reflecting the cultural dynamism of Qatar today. Supporting the Teen Art Awards felt like investing in the future of both Qatar and the global art community, ensuring that these young artists know their creativity matters and has a place in the world.
Anonymous Patron: Inspiration comes when there is an inner readiness and when the right meeting happens at the right time. I met Daria Kalinina, curator of the project TAA, and she impressed me with her unwavering faith and inner fire. At that moment, it was only the very beginning of the journey. The foundation and the awards had not even been officially registered yet. I felt a strong desire to become one of the first people to support this initiative.
Yuliana Arles: What personal values do you see reflected in supporting young talents?
Elisa Niyogisubizo: Supporting young talent reflects my belief in giving back and in nurturing seeds that have already been planted. Every young artist carries a seed of creativity and purpose within them. When those seeds are watered with guidance, care, and opportunity, they grow and eventually bloom. Being part of that process, helping seeds turn into strong, confident voices, is a value I hold very close.
Dr Waseem Kotoub: The Teen Art Awards embody values that are deeply personal to me—empathy, generosity, and curiosity. Empathy enables us to understand the challenges that young artists face, generosity ensures that we provide them with the resources and opportunities they need, and curiosity keeps us open to new perspectives. These values are lived through every interaction with young creatives. When I see their work, I am reminded that nurturing talent is not just about producing art—it’s about cultivating resilience, confidence, and a sense of belonging in a wider cultural narrative.
Yuliana Arles: What do you feel knowing that, thanks to your involvement, someone has gained a real chance to be seen and heard in the art world?
Anonymous Patron: It is a very special feeling. When you see artworks created by teenagers, it is hard to put into words. There is so much talent, sincerity, honesty, and potential in them. I am especially moved by participants from villages, from poorer countries, and from families with limited means. They have very few opportunities, yet they seize every chance they are given and work incredibly hard.
There was such a story in the first season, when one of the winners came from a very poor family and became the top student in his class. His perseverance impressed everyone, and today he is one of the strongest students at his university.
Those who have to fight for every step forward from an early age pay a high price for success, and that earns my deepest respect. Talent alone is not enough. Hard work matters greatly. I would also highlight gratitude. It is very touching to see and feel gratitude from those you have supported.
I help without expecting gratitude. For me, the act of helping itself is what matters. But when support is received with appreciation, those young people will go far. When you value what you are given, life gives you more in return. For me, it is the combination that matters: talent, dedication, and the ability to be grateful.
Dr Waseem Kotoub: When I witness a teenager’s work being celebrated, I feel a deep sense of responsibility and joy. It reinforces the idea that our efforts can ripple outward, transforming not only individual lives but also the communities they represent.
Yuliana Arles: What does it mean to you to be part of the story of these young artists, right at the beginning of their journey?
Elisa Niyogisubizo: Being part of the story of these young creatives, right at the beginning of their journey, is both a success and a privilege for me. It gave me the opportunity to expand my circle of emerging artists and build meaningful relationships grounded in mentorship and growth.
I often reflect on my own young age, when opportunities like this were limited and inspiration was not always close by. Seeing these.
Dr Waseem Kotoub: It means being entrusted with something precious. To stand beside them at the start of their journey through the Teen Art Awards is to witness the birth of voices that may one day shape entire artistic movements. It is a privilege to be part of their narrative, to encourage them when they are still finding their footing, and to remind them that their creativity has value. For me, it is not just about supporting art—it is about supporting the courage to dream, to experiment, and to believe in oneself.
Yuliana Arles: Do you believe that patronage has the power not only to shape individual lives but also to influence entire cultural eras?
Dr Waseem Kotoub: Absolutely. History has shown us that patronage has always been a catalyst for cultural flourishing. The Renaissance, for example, was shaped by patrons who believed in the transformative power of art. Today, the same principle applies. By supporting initiatives like the Teen Art Awards, we create conditions for collective transformation. Patronage is not just about funding projects—it is about nurturing ecosystems where creativity can thrive. In this way, patronage has the power to define eras, shaping the cultural identity of societies for generations to come.
Anonymous Patron: Without a doubt. Many artists who became leaders of their time and transformed culture would never have emerged without the support of patrons. I believe this is an incredibly important role.
More people with financial resources should realise that they can influence the direction of culture for the better. Art is not a luxury or a pastime. It shapes personality and values. A sense of beauty is fundamental. It is no coincidence that people say beauty will save the world, and I fully stand by that.
People in business should reflect on their values and think about what will remain after them. What contribution will we make? Who will remember us with kindness? Money cannot be taken with you, so while we are alive and able, we should do as much good as possible.More people with financial resources should realise that they can influence the direction of culture for the better. Art is not a luxury or a pastime. It shapes personality and values. A sense of beauty is fundamental. It is no coincidence that people say beauty will save the world, and I fully stand by that.
People in business should reflect on their values and think about what will remain after them. What contribution will we make? Who will remember us with kindness? Money cannot be taken with you, so while we are alive and able, we should do as much good as possible.
Yuliana Arles. At what point in your life did you feel the call to give, to share, and to support?
Elisa Niyogisubizo: I have always felt a readiness to give and to serve it has been part of who I am for as long as I can remember. But when it comes to art, that calling became even clearer and stronger. Art gave me purpose, and through it, I felt a deeper responsibility to share, support, and create opportunities for others. That is where my commitment truly lives.
Dr Waseem Kotoub: That call emerged early in my life, shaped by my dual paths in medicine and music. As a doctor, I learned that giving is inseparable from healing. As a musician, I discovered that sharing creativity is an act of generosity. These experiences taught me that supporting others is not optional—it is essential. Over time, this sense of responsibility naturally extended into cultural work, where I realized that giving opportunities to young people, such as through the Teen Art Awards, could change the trajectory of their lives. It was less a single moment and more a gradual realization that giving is at the heart of meaningful leadership.
Yuliana Arles: How do you see the role of a patron today? Do you consider yourself a benefactor, a mentor, or perhaps a co-creator?
Dr. Waseem Kotoub: I see myself as a co-creator. Patronage today is not about passive support—it is about active engagement. A patron must listen, collaborate, and help build ecosystems where creativity can flourish sustainably. Sometimes that means being a benefactor, providing resources; at other times, it means being a mentor, offering guidance. But most importantly, it means being a co-creator—working alongside artists to shape projects like the Teen Art Awards that resonate with audiences and communities. This collaborative spirit is what makes patronage relevant in the 21st century.
Anonymous Patron: I prefer quiet support. I do not like to speak publicly about my contributions. I am not a public person. At the same time, I respect those who speak openly, who set a tone, create a culture, and inspire others by example.
What matters most is sincerity. Falsehood is always visible. Art does not tolerate falseness, whether you create it or support it.
Yuliana Arles. What would you say to someone who is still unsure whether supporting the arts is truly worthwhile?
Dr Waseem Kotoub: I would say: imagine a world without music, literature, or visual art. The arts are not luxuries—they are the language of our humanity. They shape how we see ourselves and how we connect with others. Supporting the arts is not about indulgence; it is about investing in the very fabric of society. When we support initiatives like the Teen Art Awards, we support innovation, empathy, and dialogue. We create spaces where ideas can flourish and where communities can find common ground. That, to me, is profoundly worthwhile.
Anonymous Patron: While you are doubting, time is passing. Precious time during which you could have already helped someone and changed the direction of a life.
Yuliana Arles: If your contribution to this project were someday mentioned in a book about 21st century art, how would you like to be remembered?
Elisa Niyogisubizo: I would like to be remembered as someone who helped African teenagers shine on the global art stage. Africa is rich in creativity, yet in many regions, artists often remain unseen because of gaps in the art system, especially at the early stages. Programs like the Teen Art Awards nurture young and emerging artists, helping them navigate the art world and gain recognition for the work and role they play today.
Through my work, I aim to build a new generation of professional artists in my region sharing the knowledge, guidance, and opportunities I can provide so that their talent is celebrated both locally and globally.
Dr Waseem Kotoub: I would hope to be remembered as someone who believed in the transformative power of creativity and who helped young voices find their place in the chorus of global culture. Not as a figure in the background, but as someone who actively worked to ensure that emerging talents were given the chance to thrive. If my contribution to the Teen Art Awards is remembered, I would want it to be seen as part of a larger movement—one that valued inclusivity, diversity, and the belief that art can change lives and societies.
Anonymous Patron: As an anonymous patron whose help always arrived at the right moment.
Yuliana Arles: As this conversation draws to a close, it leaves not so much with answers, but with a quiet space for reflection. It opens a field of unspoken questions — the kind that linger long after the final lines are read.
What does it truly mean to believe in someone before the world knows their name? And how much of the future is quietly shaped in those unseen, trusting moments?
Where does legacy truly begin — in public recognition, or in the conscious choice to stand beside a young voice when almost no one else is listening?
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