Whatever you might have heard, the creative spark is alive and well. Need convincing? Take a wander through our pick of audial, visual and sensory reasons to be cheerful.
Provoking the ire of authority, reversing a decade of nationalism, taking the sting out of the news and the evolution of a pop persona. These matters – and more – are discussed by people of influence.
Music: Vampire Weekend and Chris Bathgate. Film: 3:10 to Yuma and Battle of Haditha. Art: A New York art cpp[ and exhibition picks. Books: JG Ballard's autobiography, Granta and Madam President.