These days, many local governments spend large portions of their budget not only on public services, but also on the visual arts. Although I agree that it is important to invest in local amenities, I do not think spending on the visual arts is a waste of money. This essay will discuss this issue using examples to support arguments and demonstrate points. On the one hand, spending a significant amount of the government budget on public services is beneficial for society. Providing for basic amenities, such as hospitals, roads, and schools, helps to determine the quality of life that most citizens will have. For example, studies consistently reveal that countries that spend more on schools have a population that is higher in literacy, compared to those that dedicate no money to education. Therefore, it is apparent that spending on public services is a worthwhile investment for the government. At the same time, visual arts are a form of public service, and hold more value to ...