Agit-prop is a policy pursued in the early years of the Soviet Union to direct the ideological thinking of the populace through literature, art, theater and music. The term derives from the title of the Department of Agitation and Propaganda of the Soviet Communist Party. Actors and artists toured Russia on special agit-prop trains, distributing propaganda posters, screening films, and performing plays. The term is now used to refer to any cultural or artistic activity with an overtly political purpose.

Soviet agit-prop train “October Revolution.” Ca. 1919–20. Austrian Film Museum, Vienna.