2.4.11

People have different views about government funding for the arts, especially when a country struggles with budget deficits. I reckon that we should give priority to essential services and infrastructures and then fund the arts when government have a budget surplus.

Many people support the public funds for arts, which can make our city more visually attractive. It is true that artworks, including sculptures, paintings and statues can decorate public facilities such as libraries, metro stations, or even toilets, and increase the appeal of these places. If the art industry develops, cities have a mix of different architectural styles and we are more likely to enjoy urban life. Exposure to artworks can reduce our pressure and put us in a good mood.

Although the arts is so important, many people would argue that public facilities deserve more of public money. Ordinary are more interest in public facilities, which have a direct impact on their living standards. Such as water and electricity supply networks, schools, libraries and roads. For example, good environment and clean water can improve people’s  fitness and reduce diseases, while schools and libraries can teach citizens knowledge and improve people’s  job ability. In contrast, sculptures, paintings and operas, are luxury items to most people and are mot likely to bring them actual benefits.

In my view, improvement in public facilities can promote economy development so that the government can have enough money to invest in arts. For example, the investment in the transport system can save much time for these people who go to work and get home, also for many merchants who do the business between the two cities. And then cities can attract more investment and become wealthy, so people’s  living standards can also be improved.By contrast, the investment in the arts can not create such returns in a short time.

To sum up, i believe that the government should focus on services and facilities vital to the wellbeing of the general public, even though artistic projects have made ou cities marvelous.