Should governments spend money on art, when they have so many other important
issues and concerns?
Government Spending on Art
Throughout the ages, man has tried to create beauty through painting, music, sculpture
and other artistic expression. It seems to be a basic need of humans to surround themselves with
art. However some people feel that government money spent on art is wasted, particularly when
there are so many other demands on it. This essay will examine the conflict between those who
say art is important and those who feel it is a waste of money.
It can be wrong for governments to spend large sums of money on art. Too often,
governments spend unwisely. They spend money on art not because a picture is good or a
museum is needed, but for political reasons. Cities end up with huge statues or empty expensive
buildings that are used only by a few people or the elite. Another point is that the artworks are
often chosen to represent social or political rather than artistic ideas. The city gets yet another
statue of the leader or an ugly monument to national aspirations. A third point is that
governments often respond to fashions, and tastes in art can change very rapidly. Without careful
advice an expensive collection of worthless paintings or tasteless productions can be the result.
However, it would be wrong to say that governments should not spend any money at all on
art. Painters, musicians, and composers cannot survive without financial support. Rich people or
large companies do finance art, but then it is often inaccessible to ordinary people. Governments
have a duty to make this art available to everyone. However, the most important reason why
governments should support the arts is because an appreciation of art is one of the things that
makes life worthwhile. Humans do not need just shelter and food. Creative people have always
tried to look at things in a new way and to make the world a better place through painting, music,
poetry, calligraphy, sculpture, dance, and numerous other forms of expression. While art may not
make us immortal, it does make the world a richer place for future generations.
In conclusion, although people do need to be provided with the necessities of life, such as
housing and medical care, governments also have a duty to provide their citizens with something
more. They should make sure that they pass on beauty, ideas and expression to the next
generation and make art available to all instead of being the possession of only the few. I firmly
believe that spending money on art is a vital part of a government's responsibility, and I am
confident that my country will be able to contribute its share to the richness of the world's art and
creativity.
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