Art>> Politics • USA
CIA supported modern art whose proponents in the US were once communists.
The American espionage agency’s documents of late 1940s revealed a new artistic movement. Russian art could not compete and was dismayed at the appeal communism still had for intellectuals and artists in the West.
The newly formed CIA set up the Propaganda Assets Inventory. In 1950, when International Organisations Division (IOD) was set up, it subsidised the animated version of Animal Farm. The CIA fostered and promoted American Abstract Expressionist painting around the world for more than 20 years.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.