Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In this episode of the Ayn Rand Institute podcast, Onkar Ghate and Tristan de Liège discuss Zohran Mamdani’s record $323 million culture budget for NYC aimed at supporting the arts, and why government attempts to fund artistic endeavors are unjust and ineffective in creating thriving conditions for artists.
● [0:00] Introduction
● [11:21] The Culture Budget’s Purpose
● [20:43] The “Affordability Crisis”
● [34:08] The Disdain for the Market
● [43:23] The Effects of Subsidizing Art
● [59:01] The Alternative to Subsidies
Resources:
• Ayn Rand, “What is Capitalism” in Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal
[amazon.com/Capitalism-Ideal-Ayn-Rand/dp/0451147952]
• Ayn Rand, “To Dream the Non-Commercial Dream” in The Voice of Reason: Essays in Objectivist Thought
[amazon.com/Voice-Reason-Objectivist-Thought-Library/dp/0452010462]
This episode was recorded on August 5, 2026.
Subscribe to ARI’s YouTube channel to make sure you never miss a video:
youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=AynRandInstitute
Download or stream free courses on Ayn Rand’s works and ideas with the Ayn Rand Institute app:
– App Store itunes.apple.com/us/app/ayn-rand-university/id1452535178?mt=8
– Google Play play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.aynrandu
ARI is funded by donor contributions. You can support our work by becoming an ARI Member or making a one-time contribution: ari.aynrand.org/donate
Explore these ideas further! ARI's online publication, New Ideal, explores pressing cultural issues from the perspective of Ayn Rand’s philosophy, Objectivism: newideal.aynrand.org
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******
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Visit ARI’s website for more about our content and programs: ari.aynrand.org
In this episode of the Ayn Rand Institute podcast, Onkar Ghate and Tristan de Liège discuss Zohran Mamdani’s record $323 million culture budget for NYC aimed at supporting the arts, and why government attempts to fund artistic endeavors are unjust and ineffective in creating thriving conditions for artists.
● [0:00] Introduction
● [11:21] The Culture Budget’s Purpose
● [20:43] The “Affordability Crisis”
● [34:08] The Disdain for the Market
● [43:23] The Effects of Subsidizing Art
● [59:01] The Alternative to Subsidies
Resources:
• Ayn Rand, “What is Capitalism” in Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal
[amazon.com/Capitalism-Ideal-Ayn-Rand/dp/0451147952]
• Ayn Rand, “To Dream the Non-Commercial Dream” in The Voice of Reason: Essays in Objectivist Thought
[amazon.com/Voice-Reason-Objectivist-Thought-Library/dp/0452010462]
This episode was recorded on August 5, 2026.
Subscribe to ARI’s YouTube channel to make sure you never miss a video:
youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=AynRandInstitute
Download or stream free courses on Ayn Rand’s works and ideas with the Ayn Rand Institute app:
– App Store itunes.apple.com/us/app/ayn-rand-university/id1452535178?mt=8
– Google Play play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.aynrandu
ARI is funded by donor contributions. You can support our work by becoming an ARI Member or making a one-time contribution: ari.aynrand.org/donate
Explore these ideas further! ARI's online publication, New Ideal, explores pressing cultural issues from the perspective of Ayn Rand’s philosophy, Objectivism: newideal.aynrand.org
******
Keep in Touch! Sign up to receive email updates from ARI: aynrand.org/signup
Follow ARI on Twitter: twitter.com/AynRandInst
Follow ARI on Facebook: facebook.com/AynRandInstitute
Follow ARI on Instagram: instagram.com/aynrandorg
Subscribe to the ARI Live! podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ayn-rand-institute-live/id1440399458
******
Join an upcoming virtual or in-person event: ari.aynrand.org/events
Visit ARI’s website for more about our content and programs: ari.aynrand.org
