This thread is inspired by a short debate we had in AP U.S. History today about the value of art in a society. We had just learned about the "Federal One" cultural projects during the New Deal designed to support the arts, and one kid voiced the opinion that subsidizing arts was a waste of federal money. Other people said that art is necessary for a culture, but we ran out of time before anything sure could be established.
So, my question: Should the government have subsidized artists like they did the 1930's, and should they now?
I tend to lean toward the view that they shouldn't, primarily because I think that they don't provide enough of a cultural benefit to justify spending taxpayer dollars on.
So, my question: Should the government have subsidized artists like they did the 1930's, and should they now?
I tend to lean toward the view that they shouldn't, primarily because I think that they don't provide enough of a cultural benefit to justify spending taxpayer dollars on.