In the past, various wealthy people subsidized artists that they were interested in. Does that still happen, and if not, is it possible? Were I rolling in dough, could I call up a publishing house and ask to look at a few dozen manuscripts to see if I found a writer interesting enough to send $10,000 over to support his work?
Start a foundation, award grants.
Visit galleries, poetry readings, whatever. I have a couple “clients” who commission sweaters for $1,000 and up every couple years. I had a “client” in Chicago in the 90s who had me design her gardens, her interiors, every time she needed an invitation or something like that; I was basically her pet designer. She took me shopping with her to help her choose her clothes, etc. She paid me, all told, around $20,000 a year. I’ve had a couple such clients over the years, and while I’m not sure how THEY think of the relationship, I often referred to them as “my Medicis” to others.