The Cold War was a painful experience for both sides of the conflict. In this activity, you’ll consider the power of art as a form of expression and the important role of pianist Van Cliburn during the Cold War. Part A
In 2011, President Barack Obama awarded the pianist Van Cliburn with the National Medal of the Arts. Read this excerpt from President Obama’s speech at that event:

And I speak personally here because there are people here whose books or poetry or works of history shaped me. . . The fact is that works of art, literature, works of history, they speak to our condition and they affirm our desire for something more and something better.

Conduct online research and identify a song or piece of music, work of visual art, movie, or piece of literature that inspires you or helps you understand life a little better. Write a paragraph explaining the aspects of the piece of art you chose that appeal to you most.