There has been heated debate about whether governments should spend a significant amount of their income on the arts. While investing in the arts can bring certain benefits, such as an improved economy/economic growth and health benefits/improved well-being, I strongly believe that prioritizing funding for education and healthcare is crucial for societal well-being.
On the one hand, there are several reasons why some people believe that supporting the arts is a good idea. Firstly, considerable investment in art forms, such as music, literature, and painting, can boost the economy by creating job opportunities for local communities and attracting tourism. An example of an improved economy can be found in Singapore, where the arts industry generated more revenue than the agricultural sector last year. Furthermore, when people have mental health issues such as depression, stress, and anxiety, they are more likely to struggle with dealing with them. Some medical studies point out that a nearly 30-minute visit to museums or theatres can relieve stress and even lighten the mood.
On the other hand, I believe that a considerable amount of public funding should be spent on schools and hospitals instead of the arts. One crucial reason is that a considerable amount of money spent on the education system can enhance productivity levels and foster greater job satisfaction among teachers as they earn more attractive salaries. These satisfied teachers are more likely to teach students with enthusiasm and creativity, ultimately resulting in better academic performance among students. Similarly, channelling funds into public healthcare facilitates the provision of adequate resources and tools for medical professionals to treat a larger number of patients effectively. This approach leads to a substantial increase in the overall wellbeing of the population by preventing the spread of diseases and infections.
In conclusion, although some people think that the reasons regarding the allocation of money for the arts are valid, I believe that schools and hospitals are more important.