Creating an Enduring Legacy: Why Corporate America Must Lead the Way
in Supporting the Arts
Eli Broad, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, SunAmerica Inc.
"...Contemporary art is a mirror held up to our society. Young artists are often ahead of the rest of us in their thinking. They are more willing to embrace new ideas, and grapple with the aspects of our world that intrigue them, inspire them, anger them. And they challenge the rest of us to do the same.
The arts survive the test of time and remain standing long after the great economic enterprises of their times are but faded memories....As a businessman and an entrepreneur, I see great economic and cultural value to be gained from creating relationships with the artistic community.
I believe there is a certain irrationality about all great leaders and artists for, that matter. They must have the courage to ignore the skeptics, challenge conventional wisdom and defy the statisticians. I think this is why I've always had such a strong affinity for the arts and artists.
I have been fortunate in life because my success in commerce has allowed me to blend my passion for leadership with my passion for the arts....I think the best kind of leadership happens at the darkest hour, when hope seems to be slipping away.
...there is a strong obligation for business leaders to step forward
and support the arts. And when the business community shows leadership,
people respond....Join your artistic brethren and contribute your energy
and leadership abilities. The world will be a better place because of
it, and so will you."