Foundation News

Peter Brant Receives the Montblanc de la Culture Arts Patronage Award

November 10th, 2015


The Montblanc de la Culture Arts Patronage Award was established to honor and support individuals who have given exceptional time, energy, and funds to artists and their work. A jury chooses 11 winners from a shortlist of 33 (3 nominees in each country).  The international jury is comprised of art influencers – a passionate network of the world’s most creative individuals is brought together by the Montblanc Cultural Foundation to evaluate the candidates based on their history of personal commitment to the arts, and a concern that the wider public should benefit from cultural projects.  To be chosen, a winning patron must demonstrate not only a history of personal commitment to the arts, but also a concern that the wider public should benefit as a result of that support.

This year the American jury was comprised of actress and activist, Emmy Rossum as well as fashion designer and philanthropist, Cameron Silver. With their extensive experience, discerning tastes and knowledge of what it means to be a patron of the arts, Montblanc is proud of their decision to honor Peter M. Brant.

For over three decades, Mr. Brant has been donating his time, energy, experience and intellect to the causes and organizations he is passionate about. Art is at the heart of everything Mr. Brant does philanthropically.  Mr. Brant is a Member of the Board of Trustees of the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles; Member of the Advisory Council of The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh; Member of the Advisory Council of The Glass House, New Canaan, CT; Art Advisory Board Member at Hunter College, New York, NY; Former Trustee of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation.  He is also Chairman and CEO of White Birch Paper; Owner, Chairman and Co-Founder of Brant Publications, Inc.; Founder of the Greenwich Polo Club; Co-Founder of the Bridgehampton Polo Club.

An integral part of the Montblanc de la Culture Arts Patronage Award is a donation which Mr. Brant will receive on behalf of The Brant Foundation. This donation will go toward the Foundation‘s educational programming.  Through the creation of The Brant Foundation, Mr. Brant aims to give back to the art community by promoting education and appreciation of contemporary art and design – perhaps inspiring the next would-be artist, teacher or casual art enthusiast. The Brant Foundation, Inc. makes artwork available to institutions and individuals for scholarly study, examination and loan.

The winner in each country is also presented with one of a limited edition of 11 Patron of Art writing instruments specially handcrafted every year in Montblanc’s Artisan Atelier.  To highlight the idea of supporting the arts, each year the Limited Edition writing instrument is dedicated to a historic patron of the arts. This year, Mr. Brant will receive the Montblanc Patron of Art Luciano Pavarotti Limited Edition writing instrument, which is a tribute to the great opera icon who not only made opera fascinating for broader audiences, but also proved himself as a committed humanitarian and patron of the arts. Away from the limelight of world stages, Pavarotti dedicated much of his time to nurturing young up-and-coming singers with free private singing lessons.

  • Peter Brant and Urs Fischer
  • NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 10:  Actress Sienna Miller speaks during The 24th Montblanc De La Culture Arts Patronage Award honoring Peter M. Brant at Kappo Masa on November 10, 2015 in New York City.
  • NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 10:   (L-R) Mike Giannattasio, Sienna Miller, and honoree Peter M. Brant attend The 24th Montblanc De La Culture Arts Patronage Award at Kappo Masa on November 10, 2015 in New York City.
  • NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 10:  Honoree Peter M. Brant attends The 24th Montblanc De La Culture Arts Patronage Award at Kappo Masa on November 10, 2015 in New York City.
  • NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 10:  Actress Sienna Miller and honoree Peter M. Brant attend The 24th Montblanc De La Culture Arts Patronage Award at Kappo Masa on November 10, 2015 in New York City.