Battle Readings is a regularly updated compilation of articles, essays, and opinion pieces relevant to the themes of the Battle of Ideas.
Choose a theme from the listing on the left to narrow your search, or view all readings.
'It is the interaction between the stage and the audience that makes theatre the perfect medium for political debate, discussion and ideas'
Michael Wynne, The Guardian, 2 May 2003
One of the art world's most outspoken critics explores the modern public's alienation from contemporary art, and makes a powerful plea for the revival of communication, accessibility, and traditional skills in this field.
Julian Spalding, Prestel, 16 April 2003
Each section of the report is richly illustrated with practical examples of the National Museums' contribution to agendas of fundamental global importance: from the dialogue between cultures to the preservation of the world's natural assets. The work reaches well beyond the fields of operation traditionally associated with museums.
National Museums Directors' Conference, 6 June 2002
If I write a five-star review of an artist's work, while another critic finds it worthy of only one star - who is right?
Jonathan Jones, Guardian, 9 October 2001
Mike Pitts, Arrow Books, 2 August 2001
Why bother with the classics today? Our lack of knowledge about ancient civilisation leaves us blind to a true understanding of the modern world
AC Grayling, New Statesman, 30 July 2001
Jean-Paul Sartre, Routledge, 18 May 2001
Aleks Sierz, Faber & Faber, 5 March 2001
We watch more factual television than any other nation. Reflecting on recent controversies, Malcolm Clark argues in defence of the genre
Malcolm Clark, New Statesman, 23 October 2000
Includes key findings and recommendations for developing ethnic audiences for mainstream and culturally diverse arts, focusing on African, Caribbean, South Asian and Chinese
Helen Jermyn & Philly Desai, Arts Council England, 2000
Read all about it: truth in demand
"The energy, verve and enthusiasm at The Battle of Ideas filled me with hope. Coming from India where so many people still lack the basic necessities that make human life worth living, it was heartening to see basic issues of equity and justice debated with such passion and fervour."
George Thomas, orthopaedic surgeon; editor, Indian Journal of Medical Ethics