Art as propaganda

The use of art to influence public opinion in favour of a political ideal or government policies may be on a national or international level. It may take the form of posters, political cartoons, commissioned paintings, sculptures, buildings, etc. It may be spread internationally through exhibitions and other methods of cultural exchange. Artistic propaganda may result in cultural stagnation and prejudice or alienation, conflict, counterpropaganda or subversive activities. It may strengthen government control and dictatorship, injustice, inequality and exploitation. It has the same advantage over printed or non-visual propaganda as photographic, film or theatre propaganda, in that it can appeal to the illiterate and has immediate impact.