John Studzinski honoured with the 2017 Montblanc de la Culture Arts Patronage Award
13 October 2017
John Studzinski has been honoured with the 2017 UK Montblanc de la Culture Arts Patronage Award for his work with the Genesis Foundation in nurturing excellence among young artists. He joins a notable list of past honourees of the annual award that includes HRH The Prince of Wales, Lord Rothschild, Sir Simon Rattle, Renzo Piano and Yoko Ono, highlighting the importance of arts patronage in communities around the world.
The prestigious award recognises John Studzinski’s charitable work with artists and leading theatre, musical and visual arts organisations in the UK, and his unique support of young artistic talent through long term partnerships with artistic leaders.
The Montblanc Cultural Foundation, based in Hamburg, was founded in 1992 with a mission to promote innovative thinking through supporting the arts worldwide. The Montblanc de la Culture Arts Patronage Award is part of the company’s “commitment to actively engage in the promotion of arts and culture worldwide”.
The prize celebrates personalities from the “artistic and cultural worlds whose personal commitment is made mostly far away from the spotlight and the public eye: Patrons. The priceless work they do backstage is distinguished by a life-long passion and dedication which supports talent everywhere and enriches a global audience.”
This year, the prize is being awarded to patrons in 17 countries all over the world.
Kevin Boltman, MD of Montblanc UK, and Sam Badouwil and Till Felrath, Chairmen of the Montblanc Cultural Foundation, recognised John’s outlook on philanthropy, including his formula of “the 3 ‘T’s” – treasure, time and talent – an emphasis on partnerships and a call to action to change the world one artist at a time.
John Studzinski was presented with a cheque for 15,000 Euros for the Genesis Foundation , and a limited edition pen, the Montblanc Patron of Art Edition – Homage to Scipione Borghese at a reception held in the Egyptian Gallery at the British Museum on 12 October 2017. Click here for images of the ceremony.
Receiving his award, John Studzinski said: “I’m honoured that my work with the Genesis Foundation has been recognised with Montblanc’s Art Patronage Award. To join the illustrious list of artists and philanthropists that Montblanc has celebrated with this award is very meaningful to me. The Genesis Foundation believes in nurturing young artistic talent through working with inspirational partners. Montblanc’s ethos in supporting the arts mirrors ours and I wish to commend them for their work in creating networks of mentors to support young artists when they most need guidance and instruction. Art changes lives and the more we engage with artists across the world the more we all benefit.”
Each year, a limited edition pen inspired by an historical patron of the arts is awarded as a prize. This year’s inspiration for the pen is Scipione Borghese (1577-1633), an Italian cardinal considered one of the greatest patrons and collectors of Roman baroque art during the 17th century. After his uncle, Camillo Borghese was elected Pope Paul V in 1605 and appointed him cardinal and head of the Vatican’s governmental affairs, Scipione Borghese assembled one of the most valuable and significant art collections in Europe. Pieces from the collection, including Caravaggio and Bernini, are exhibited today at the Louvre, Windsor Castle and the Villa Borghese.
