Artists get financial support from the state. While some would argue that it is not a waste of resources, I believe that financial support should be given to the other sectors of the economy.
On the one hand, putting in a lot of money into the entertainment industry may seem like a good investment as many people have come to appreciate the beauty of art. Funding artists and their crafts attracts tourists to the country, bridging cultural and linguistic barriers and thereby increase the country’s gross domestic product. However, I am of the opinion that the industry should not be financed as doing so comes with its own disadvantages. Crime rate could skyrocket as a result of foreigners entering the country and there could be damages of public infrastructure. For example, Celebration is an annual festival celebrating the life, music and achievements of Fela Anikulapo Kuti, the pioneer and founder of Afrobeats in Nigeria, attracts people from all over the world. During this festival, the rate of crime is usually at its highest.
On the other hand, instead of budgeting millions of dollars to finance the entertainment sector, the money should be diverted to other areas like the agricultural sector where majority of the citizens would benefit. Providing agricultural incentives farmers would relieve the burden of production of farm produce, because when financial aid is made available for these farmers, they would be able to purchase necessary farm tools and fertilizers at subsidized costs, thereby increasing the quantity of agricultural produce yearly and decrease the price at which they sell. For example, in Ghana the yearly budget for agriculture was increased by two times the usual amount and there was a steady rise in the output of agricultural produce and the prices of foods decreased by more than half. I believe that this school of thought is more beneficial to the citizens as a whole as it makes food readily available to the citizens.
In conclusion, although the government rendering support to the entertainment industry would increase the number of tourists that would visit the country, but it would be of more benefit if the agricultural sector receives financial support instead.