Many are of the opinion that it is a waste of funds if the government invests in arts like music and theatre; they say that these funds should be allocated to public services (hospitals, schools) instead. I strongly disagree with this opinion because, while it is an undeniable fact that hospitals, schools, good roads, among others, are fundamental in every society, music and entertainment in all forms are also fundamental parts of life, and their importance cannot be underrated. In the coming paragraphs, I will elaborate on my reasons for taking this stance.
Quality and easily accessible health care, good roads, affordable and convenient schooling; these are priorities in every society, without which the government would have failed. Hence, the responsibility lies on the managing authority of every country to ensure that it invests in these areas over time, as they are essential basic amenities for living. The commitment to these pertinent areas, however, should not brush aside other important aspects of society that also need adequate funding and attention, such as the arts.
Music, theatre, film making, among others, have evolved over the last century and have easily become some of the biggest industries in the world. For example, Hollywood and Bollywood are recognized globally and have made positive impacts for their originating countries in terms of providing entertainment and information, tourist attraction, and global recognition.
Furthermore, investing money in the arts is one way by which a government can ensure that it generates revenue over time. This is because, contrary to popular opinion, the entertainment industry is a multi-million dollar business that has the potential to yield major revenue that can, in turn, be re-allocated to other areas of the economy, including public services.
In conclusion, I am of the opinion that although public services remain a priority in every country, the arts cannot be neglected. If properly explored, it is an asset and not a liability to every society