There is a debate over whether it is beneficial to support artists financially, such as musicians, writers and painters or whether it is a waste of money. Although there are a few negative impacts, the advantages of supporting artists can outweigh the disadvantages by boosting tourism and creating job opportunities.
There are many reasons why some people believe that government should spend money on artists. Firstly, since the governments have limited funding, this places financial burden on the budget, as they can rather spend it in order to develop public services, such as healthcare and education. For example, if the government allocates millions of dollars to art exhibitions or musical concerts, funding essential services might be difficult. Instead, they can use this money wisely by building schools and improving hospitals and public transports. Another main reason is that people feel that the money they pay as a tax may be waste, if the projects do not generate sufficient profits. The governments mainly support artists by funding them with the taxpayer’s money. If the arts, such as paintings, music or poem do not attract visitors, artists may receive little revenue despite requiring considerable investment. As a result, they cannot refund the money that the government gave as a financial support.
Plausible as these arguments may seem, there are still notable positive impacts to supporting artists. First and foremost, artistic projects, including musical festivals, cultural events or art exhibitions can boost the economy by attracting tourists from all over the world who are curious about experiencing new cultures. Not only does this appeal international visitors, but local residents may also become interested in these cultural festivals. Since tourists spend money on accommodation, restaurants and transportation, this trend can affect positively on the economy of the country. Creating job opportunities is another major advantage of supporting artists financially. For instance, the process of songwriting, filmmaking, painting and fashion require a variety of professionals, ranging from organizers to designers. As a result, these industries might help the government reduce the unemployment rate and poverty.
In conclusion, even though supporting artists may pose certain problems, including financial burden on the budget of the country, it can significantly contribute to the development of economy.