Here’s an amazing talk by Shirin Neshat, an Iranian artist in exile, about the importance of art and culture in the West and in Iran. I admit I can’t begin to relate to her experience, but I’m challenged by her determination. Her courage reminds us that art is too powerful a tool to be used merely for our own amusement. Watch it here or below.

“Often in the western world, culture risks to be a form of entertainment. Our people depend on our artists, and culture is beyond communication.”