The threat to public media has grown. Act now with a donation to sustain our work!

DONATE NOW
Civilizations show's poster

What Is Art Good For?

Survey the history of art, from antiquity to the present, on a global scale. Civilizations reveals the role art and creative imagination have played in forging humanity, and introduce viewers to works of beauty, ingenuity and illumination across cultures. Liev Schreiber narrates.

RMPBS Passport

Please log in to your PBS Passport account to watch this video

Become a Member

What Is Art Good For?

Season 1 Episode 9 | 52m 50s | CC

Explore art in the age of revolution, war and profound scientific change and consider the question: Should art create a separate realm, a place of escape, or should it plunge into the chaos, transforming the way we see and live in the world?

Civilizations

Watch more episodes

See more
See more