No, we’re not just trying to win a Bloggies award for the longest post title (although such a category should definitely exist). This is the title of a thesis written by Robin Wright, the Chairman of Arts & Business 1997-2005, exploring the biological purpose of art. Wright draws upon a variety of studies, including psychology, anthropology and cognitive psychology, to make his case that art funding and art sponsorship has value – hopefully unburdening art lovers of the need to prove this.

This is a fascinating read for any art aficionado and you can download it in full by clicking here. With a foreword by writer of the God Delusion, Richard Dawkins, and afterwords by such luminaries as Stephen Fry - Wright’s analysis is a serious analysis of why funding for the arts is not simply based on a whim, but built upon an ingrained need in the human genetic make-up.

The questions raised by this thesis should resonate in future debates about the necessity of art funding and sponsorship in the future. To lend your thoughts to the argument, Sky Arts are inviting people to engage in a discussion with the writer on their website. This is an opportunity that should not to be missed.