Thesis Project

'm excited to share the focus of my senior thesis in Business of Art: "The Art of the Deal: Building Mutually Beneficial Partnerships Between Corporate Sponsors and Art Exhibitions." This project grew out of a hands-on assignment where I developed a sponsorship proposal for a major art college's exhibition season, targeting a luxury automotive brand. Crafting that proposal was a lightbulb moment; it revealed the immense potential of these alliances, but also made me question the standard playbook. Too often, corporate sponsorship in the arts feels transactional,a logo on a wall in exchange for a check, without creating deeper value for either partner.

My research aims to change that. I'll be investigating what truly drives companies to invest in cultural events and what art institutions can offer beyond traditional recognition. By analyzing successful case studies and speaking with gallery directors and brand managers, I want to move beyond theory and develop a practical framework for collaboration. The goal is to show how sponsorships can be strategically designed to achieve tangible marketing goals for the brand while providing sustainable, mission aligned support for the arts. It’s about transforming a financial transaction into a meaningful partnership that benefits the entire cultural ecosystem.