Many governments spend a lot of money on art. Some people think this investment in art is necessary, but others say the money is better spent on improving health and education. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
It is generally accepted that art enriches society and plays a valuable role in its culture and history.
Although
some support
government
investment in galleries, artistic
organizations and other art-related matters, others feel that Replace the word
arts
this
money
should be spent on public services
. In this
essay, I will consider both views and explain why I agree that state
funding of the arts
should be redirected.
Those who support
government
funding usually argue that it is essential to maintain a healthy arts
scene. In Australia, the government
pours millions of dollars into this
sector, with the National Gallery alone receiving over $8 million annually. Such
institutions, it is claimed, are pillars of society, and money
from the government
makes them more accessible. Indeed, it is free to enter most public galleries and museums in Australia, thanks to the government
's support
. Smaller art groups and emergency artist also
benefit from government
funding, and without it, many worry that arts
bodies would not survive and that society would be poorer for it.
There are others, however
, myself included, who feel that these fears are unfounded,
and that taxpayers' Remove the comma
apply
money
would be more wisely spent on services
that benefit the entire community. Already, many arts
organisation not only survive but thrive without government
handouts. The museum of Old and New Art in Tasmania, for instance
, is the state
's major tourist attraction, despite earning money
solely from ticket sales and private investors. This
kind of self-sufficiency supports the claim that state
money
should instead
go to hospitals which could certainly use more staff, more wards and better technology or schools where the money
could be put towards updating facilities, hiring more teachers or improving their resources. These are services
used by every citizen and, in many cases, they are severely underfunded.
In conclusion, even though state
support
of the arts
has been a long tradition, there are many other ways for artists and organisations to raise funds. It is more important for the Government
to spend on vital services
such
as education and healthcare.Submitted by daniel.manole88 on
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