For MIF07 Manchester International Festival and the Guardian formed a partnership to present a collection of leading social and political commentators. Art, faith and modern Britain all come under the spotlight in a series of engaging debates that bring contemporary issues, and urgent stories of our time, to the fore.

Is there any such thing as art for art's sake? Can art make a political difference?A panel of leading artists and cultural commentators debated the imapact and value of political art.  Speakers included Peter Sellars, theatre, opera and festival director.