Artsnight

Masks have been part of our global culture for centuries. For her episode of Artsnight, ventriloquist, comedian and documentary film-maker Nina Conti explores why and how masks allow us to step ourselves and be someone else. She joins a masked theatre workshop, meets masked musicians and character comedian Boy With Tape On His Face, and explores the visual and political art world with masked feminist artists Guerrilla Girls and For Vendetta co-creator David Lloyd, who tells how the Guy Fawkes mask has become an internationally understood symbol of protest, resistance and anarchy. Nina is fascinated by the ability of masks to liberate the wearer from social convention and their own inhibitions, arguably allowing more truthful forms of expression, and the programme will explore the implications this can have for creativity.

David Baddiel travels to New York to investigate Thomas Carlyle's Great Man theory.

Sir Nicholas Serota, director of the Tate, investigates why contemporary art matters.

Lionel Shriver asks why economics has become one of the most exciting subjects for writers

Charlotte Church meets musicians pushing the boundaries of what a voice can do.

Paul Mason talks to six writers engaged with the most urgent issues of our time.

The V&A's architecture curator Kieran Long explores the future of the home in Britain.

Mumford & Sons talk to Lynn Barber about becoming an international super group.

Maria Balshaw visits the five museums shortlisted for the 2016 Museum of the Year award.

Rarely seen interviews in which writer Carla Lane discusses her life and work.

Is fiction the best way to access the truth?

Lynn Barber meets up with the self-ordained king of punk John Lydon.

Novelist Meg Rosoff explores the relationship between art and the unconscious mind.