The dissection of arts and culture is an important way to understand the Early Modern European world. Early Modern Europe was defined by increased access to the arts, literature, and culture by ordinary citizens. The music, artworks, and writing of the era demonstrate the diverse interests of the cultural elite of Early Modern Europe and the cultural literacy of their audiences. Information and culture were increasingly spread through performance, exhibitions, and the written word, which allowed new ideas to spread quickly and efficiently, catalyzing artistic and social change and providing the cornerstone for modern European society, politics, religion, and culture.