Art under state control from the Russian Revolution to today

Throughout history the arts have been subject to varying degrees of state control in different countries across the world. It is evident that art can survive even under a severe curtailment of artistic freedom, but can creativity flourish? State support is significant to the development of the arts, but even in countries where freedom of expression is encouraged, it can also unduly influence its direction through funding, policies and control over education. Should art be connected to the state? To what extent do governments preside over their countries' cultural sectors today? Speakers: Elena Sudakova – Founder and Director of GRAD: Gallery for Russian Arts and Design Edmund Clark – award-winning artist who uses photography, found imagery and text to explore links between representation and politics. Kirsty Lang (chair) – journalist and broadcaster, presenter of Radio 4’s ‘Front Row’.