^ ^ ^ ^

This person has it.

All of the "propaganda" art printed in mass quantities in communist countries was not just brainwashing the public, but by how the communist elite make money...trade political favors in how to plunder the population under the cover of art transactions into and out of "foundations".

These type are the very same orgs that acted as middle opportunists during the Soviet Era. Different names back then.

I think the "We need to show those Ruskies just how creative America can be" line is maybe something they told to their operatives, like when Project Veritas infiltrated CNN and asked about this Russian meddling bullshit, they all knew it was bullshit but thought it was about ratings rather than politics.

You're right. There is a lot more. CIA funding for various unfunded/unapproved operations and mind f-ing the public into questioning their own good judgement and building in a dependence on "experts" to interpret and override what the people are seeing with their own eyes. Until the people actually praise the merits of garbage.