Banksy, Turner & the BBC

Banksy — the anonymous street artist from Bristol — is Britain's most famous living artist. His satirical stencil graffiti (Girl with Balloon, Kissing Coppers, Flower Thrower) are political, provocative, and worth millions. In Bristol, London (Shoreditch), and across the country, his works appear — and instantly become attractions.

J.M.W. Turner (1775–1851) was Britain's greatest painter — his light and seascapes (The Fighting Temeraire, Rain, Steam and Speed) anticipated Impressionism by decades. Tate Britain in London has the largest Turner collection. The Turner Prize (since 1984) is Britain's most important contemporary art award — often controversial, always worth discussing.

The BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation, founded 1922) is the most influential media institution in the world. From Doctor Who to David Attenborough's nature documentaries to the BBC Proms (summer concert series at the Royal Albert Hall) — the BBC shapes British culture like no other institution. The iPlayer (BBC streaming service) is unfortunately only available in the UK, but the Proms Last Night (with "Land of Hope and Glory" and "Rule, Britannia!") is a spectacular experience live at the Royal Albert Hall.