There are few comparable trusts, while at the same time the fate of African artists is tough. African governments turn a blind eye on ‘arts’. At the same time few African countries have an elite that is willing to invest in home grown modern art and artists.
Should we consider art as a ‘luxury’ in situations where many have barely enough to feed themselves? That is a difficult question. The Maslow’s hierarchy of needs (the so-called Maslow Pyramid) shows ‘basic needs’ and ‘safety needs’ as having most priority. Psychological needs (like belongingness, love and esteem) and self-actualisation or self-fulfilment may be linked up with artistic development, these needs are found on third and fourth levels. For proper human development, artistic development seems a very necessary element. So Robert, well done!