Funding the Arts

One of the articles I read discussed the funding of federal arts and how it should continue in America. Obviously, I am in support of this article and I agreed with and related to many of the reasons they gave for it. It starts out by showing how the arts help in the understanding of different cultures, histories and people around the world. This is very true, because when people see plays like “The Color Purple” and “Les Mis”, they are able to get a better understanding of what those different people went through at that time.
Another point they brought up dealt with how the arts are good for the economy. One of the main things it does is it gives jobs to millions of people around the country, which is very important during this economic pickle we find ourselves in. It also attracts money from tourists, stimulates business developments, and more importantly, it helps younger kids to improve their ways of life by teaching them essential life skills. Some of these lessons involve kids learning how to express themselves in a healthy way and to not be afraid of doing so. It also gives them the abilities to reason and solve problems that occur in real life. I can easily relate to this idea because I have experienced the effect of it firsthand. Through theatre, I have been able to show more confidence in situations like public speaking and interviews, which comes as a struggle for many people. The popular fear of public speaking is up there with the fear of death.
It’s also important that these arts are funded because some of them are non-profit organizations, and they need those funds to remain in business and benefit those that they employ and entertain.
Personally, I believe that the arts are one of the MOST important recipients of government funds because they make a clear impact on so many lives. And, scene...


American Arts Alliance. "Federal Funding of the Arts Should Not End." Current Controversies: Free Speech. Ed. Scott Barbour. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2000. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Gale. Deerfield High School. 6 Feb. 2010 .