The opinions are variod on whether national budgets should fund the works of art, or whether it should allocate other public services, particularly healthcare and education. While art is valuable to a certain extent, I firmly contend that governmental allocation should prioritise other fileds.
On the one hand, government funding for arts could result in the preservation of heritage. Governmental financial aid in museums, theatres, and artistic projects will educate the public, especially the youth, about the national identity and traditions their forefathers fought for and maintained throughout a long history. As a result, this can increase public awareness of the significance of these legacies, creating a sense of national pride among individuals. A prime example is Vietnam, where many museums and galleries funded by the government serve as an educational means to inform students of national history. These students, in turn, show respect for the hard work of their predecessors. However, the allocation of arts can pressure the national budget. In other words, the renovation cost of maintaining these arts is prohibitively expensive. Therefore, these expenses may divert funding from essential services like healthcare and education, directly impacting people’s well-being and the country’s development.
On the other hand, investing in healthcare and education ensures long-term societal development. Firstly, enormous funding for medical services can lead to improved public health. Thanks to advanced medical technologies, life-threatening diseases can be addressed, resulting in improved physical health, mental well-being, and longer life expectancy. Secondly, funding for education plays a vital role in boosting the national economy. Free schooling means that all students, regardless of their social backgrounds, can have access to high-quality education, which not only benefits the job markets with well-educated workforces but also cultural industries, including arts. From my perspective, without a strong foundation in health and education, the arts themselves might struggle to thrive.
In conclusion, while arts funding preserves cultural identity, it strains the national budget. Prioritising healthcare and education ensures public well-being, economic growth, and even supports the arts in the long run.