Medieval Venice shows us the value of art in a crisis

Bocconi University's Stefania Gerevini explains how Medieval Venice shows us the good that art can do

March 31, 2025| Times21 min read
The 14th-century mosaic in the baptistery of Venice’s San Marco basilica. University of Bologna, CC BY-NDThe 14th-century mosaic in the baptistery of Venice’s San Marco basilica. University of Bologna, CC BY-ND

In an increasingly polarised world, the arts and humanities play a key role in sustaining democracy. They foster critical thinking, open dialogue, emotional intelligence and understanding across different perspectives, all of which are essential for a healthy democratic society. Also, people who participate in cultural activities are much more likely to engage in civic and democratic life.

Yet the way the arts are funded differs widely from country to country, especially in times of economic hardship or significant change. During and after the pandemic, for instance, some EU countries increased public spending on culture, while others made significant cuts.

Read the full story at Times2.

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