Somewhat articulate, as eloquent supporter of the arts (5)
I believe the answer is:
easel
'supporter of the arts' is the definition.
(supporter for an artist's canvas)
'somewhat articulate as eloquent' is the wordplay.
'somewhat' says the answer is hidden in the clue.
'EASEL' is hidden in the letters of 'articulate as eloquent'.
(Other definitions for easel that I've seen before include "Frame for a canvas" , "artist's requisite" , "Painting support" , "Van Gogh's stand?" , "art supporter" .)