Question

how is art related to politics?

Answer 1

Art is related to politics in two main ways.

1. Art can be used by artists to express their political views. If they don't agree with certain ideas or policies, artists use their skills to get their message across.
(ex. political cartoons)

2. Propaganda-Governments use art to gain support for an idea or policy. They use art in order to convince the people to support their cause.

Answer 2

Concerning our days: http://www.scribd.com/doc/26099680/Art-and-Politics-in-Our-Epoch

I hope you'll find it useful!