Skip to content

There are plenty of millionaires who would pay millions to…

“There are plenty of millionaires who would pay millions to hang a Van Gogh painting on the wall, but hardly one that would have ever had the crazy nut over for dinner. I feel like the big companies are like that with musicians. They'll say, 'We love music! It's all about the music!' - but if a…” quote by Derek Sivers
Download Open image
“There are plenty of millionaires who would pay millions to hang a Van Gogh painting on the wall, but hardly one that would have ever had the crazy nut over for dinner. I feel like the big companies are like that with musicians. They'll say, 'We love music! It's all about the music!' - but if a musician shows up at the door, they call security.”

Derek Sivers

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

We often value art for its prestige but reject the artists themselves, especially when corporations claim to support creativity while blocking genuine creators.

In simple terms: Companies love the idea of art but not the artists.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and support creators, not just their products.

Themes

art corporate culture authenticity exploitation creativity

Mood

cynical critical thoughtful

Type

observational analytical

When to use this quote

  • festival planning
  • artist collaborations
  • brand sponsorships
  • venue booking

Key Concepts

cultural capital gatekeeping commercialization

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you differentiate genuine support from tokenism?
  • What steps can artists take to avoid being treated as commodities?
A Different Perspective

Corporate support can be superficial, prioritizing image over real engagement with

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Derek Sivers

Explore all 69 Derek Sivers quotes

More About quotes

Browse all 26,122 About quotes