Fine Art as an instrument of Czech cultural diplomacy

For centuries, art has played an important role as a tool of cultural diplomacy and even now represents an integral part of foreign cultural policy of different countries. Modern and contemporary fine art often reflects the current social and political issues, at both national and international levels. This thesis aims to prove that art, as a means of expression, has its place in international relations, in the context of cultural diplomacy. The intention of this thesis is to explore the many ways that fine art is applied as an instrument of cultural diplomacy and how the use of visual arts contributes to positive relations between nations and to the process of building a positive image of the state abroad. In the context of Czech cultural-diplomatic practice, the art and its employment is analysed on two levels - historical, that examines the use of art in the process of building the Czechoslovak state, and institutional, that introduces both state and private actors, who contribute greatly to the cultural diplomacy of the Czech Republic via the promotion of Czech fine arts. The final chapter focuses on the environment of New York as a world cultural and art center, and engages in representative Czech projects, activities, organizations and individuals who are successful advocates of Czech visual arts in the international context. The main contribution of this thesis is its aim to address an uncommonly debated topic - a specific area of artistic creation, its role and position in international relations and cultural diplomacy of the Czech Republic.