MICK MCSHANE is roused by a band whose socialism laces every line of every song with commitment and raw passion
The eloquence of everyday objects
ANDY HEDGECOCK relishes two exhibitions that blur the boundaries between art and community engagement

Allan Weber, My Order
★★★★★, Nottingham Contemporary
Daniel Lind-Ramos, Ensamblajes
★★★★★, Nottingham Contemporary
DONALD TRUMP’s philistinism is apparent in his fondness for self-aggrandising kitsch, but the Kennedy Center putsch — in which Trump unilaterally installed himself as chair of Washington DC’s temple of the fine arts — suggests an understanding that culture can shape the national psyche.
Perhaps we should expect further co-option of performing arts institutions in support of the MAGA cause. Will the list of Trump-approved artists be limited to Confederate flag flaunter Kid Rock, swastika T-shirt pusher Kanye West and deportation cheerleader Ted Nugent?
More from this author

ANDREW HEDGECOCK relishes visual storytelling with no respect for genres, movements or styles

Two books and a film that examine cultural excavation and the impact of place on behaviour

ANDY HEDGECOCK invites readers to contribute short fiction to our arts pages, offers some guidance and picks a few favourites

ANDY HEDGECOCK explores the implications of a recent statistical study of music lyrics that highlights the role of monopoly capital in silencing complexity