Annually, the UK government spends a large amount of money on supporting the cultural and artistic activities. Some people argue that the government should allocate funds to more critical areas, while the cost of cultural entertainment should be paid by individuals. In my view, I don’t fully agree with this perspective.
On the one hand, it is not fair that the government devote so much taxpayers’ money to things which are benefit for small percentage of people. Firstly, organizing art exhibitions or maintaining cultural attractions requires huge financial resources. However, it does not benefit the daily lives of the majority of citizens, which is inconsistent with government policies. Secondly, the public money spend on areas that affect our day-to-day lives, which is more meaningful and in the best interest of the majority. For example, improving health care or providing better educational facilities.
On the other hand, many of the ideas that the culture and the arts play a vital role in national development. Culture and arts shape a nation’s identity. Activities related to arts create a shared sense of identity and pride among citizens, which helps fostering belonging. Based on this reason, the government must support citizens from all walks of life in engaging with cultural and artistic events. Furthermore, Culture and arts play a key role in driving economic. Museums, festivals, and historical sites attract international tourists, generating significant revenue, as well as creating Jobs.
In conclusion, it seems to me that the government should consider how to allocate public resources to the most critical priorities, as well as support a range of cultural and artistic activities to ensure they remain affordable and accessible to all citizens.