It is argued whether it is acceptable for the states to put a huge effort on artists, or whether money should be allocated on something else rather than artistic creativity. Although some people believe that there are many other more fundamental aspects that need financial aid from the states, I completely agree with the former view due to the importance of art inheritance and preservation.
Some people think that providing too much support to artists is unfair may point to the responsibility of states to develop their country comprehensively. Especially in this day and age, when technological progress is the key to measure a country’s prosperity, focusing only on art may limit the potential for industrial growth. In Australia, for example, the money that government spends on art accounts for one third of total state expenditure, which is a tremendous amount of money that can make a big difference if it was spent on improving technology. However, I believe that if the government provides the expenditure on different purposes fairly, a country can also enhance its technological progress, as well as preserving art and other collective or individual needs.
In my opinion, rather than encouraging art might pose a threat to a nation’s development, I believe the opposite is that spending money on art’s inheritance and preservation is also necessary to develop a country. There are many ways that a country can be recognized and have a role in the global marketplace, in which creating and maintaining natural cultural identity such as artistic heritage is one of them. This is because history is the root of every sustainable development. It explains why UNESCO exists to encourage the identification, protection and preservation of cultural heritage around the world. Evidence for this can be seen in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, after being recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage in 1994, it has created many opportunities for this country to compete in the world economy.
In conclusion, while some people may think that the government is wasting their money on artists while there are many other purposes also need financial aid, I totally believe that art plays an important role in developing a country as well as technology or any other aspects.