Art and the State: The Visual Arts in Comparative Perspective [Paperback]

This book examines the impact of states and their policies on visual art. States shape the role of art and artists in society, influence the development of audiences, support artistic work, and even affect the very nature of artistic production. The book contrasts developments in the United States with art policies in Britain and in the social democratic states of Norway and Sweden. In addition, it analyzes revealing transitions - the changes brought about in East Germany after unification and the experiences of artists who left the Soviet Union for the west. The result is a significant contribution to the sociology and the political economy of art.Preface Introduction The American System of Support for the Arts: Artists and Art Museums Enterprise Culture in British Art Policy Art, Art Institutions, and the State in the Welfare States of Norway and Sweden East German Art Before and After the End of Communism Changing States: Russian Immigrant Artists in the United States Conclusion References

'Art and the State is a wonderful book. I look forward to adopting it for my course on politics and the arts as soon as it is out. I especially like the way in which the authors take a nuanced approach to consider the vexed relationship of the arts and the state. They are right on target when pointing to the subtle control effects that exist in non-totalitarian as well as in extremely authoritarian states. Their comparative perspective is a most valuable addition to an under-studied field.' - Vera Zolberg, Professor of Sociology, New School University

'Timely, informative, and well-structured this book provides a much needed comparison of the relationship between the state and the visual arts in the United States, Britain, Norway, Sweden, East Germany before the fall of Communism, and the Soviet Union. The authors convincingly argue that, regardless of political system, the state is everywhere 'deeply involved in art' and that 'the market alone prevaill#"