Adonis Floridis: Risks of Art's Dependence on Power Centers

The Minister of Culture, Adonis Floridis, discussed with director Antonis Georgiou the “appropriation and instrumentalization of artistic creation by propaganda mechanisms,” a topic Georgiou presented at theYard.Residency.26. Floridis emphasized the need for artistic freedom and the risks lurking from art's dependence on power centers. The Minister stated that state funding for art is important, but caution is needed regarding the risks that arise when funding depends on the political motives of governments. This can lead to the instrumentalization of art for public relations purposes and the promotion of specific political agendas. Floridis referred to phenomena such as artwashing, restrictions on freedom of expression, and censorship, even in countries with a democratic tradition, as consequences of subjecting artistic creation to specific interests. He emphasized that art must remain free and independent to express its essence.