In the new era of science and technology, many people tend to believe that science is the way for the future. The arts, on the other hand, are very important as they help to unleash the talents in the people. There is a debate as to whether public funding should be used to support these two. The essay below looks at this issue in detail, arguing that both are important should receive public funding.
Public Funding for the Arts and Sciences
The current developments in science and technology have seen the world move into a digital frenzy. Everyone seems to be in the race to be abreast in technological matters. The same notion has seeped into the learning institutions where the students are inclined towards these ‘prestigious’ degrees and courses. The tax-payers on the other hand want their money used in financing education procedures which will steer the nation towards technological advancement. This indicates why it is necessary to fund the sciences. Science and technology are seen as the keys to the attainment of the country’s dreams. As such, there is no reason as to why the public should not support this course.
It is well known that many people live off their works of art such as painting, music, poems, dance, and poems among others. Furthermore, the arts provide entertainment for the people, both the artists and the audiences. Well, in as much as the public finances should not be channeled towards individual artists, the government should at least fund the concert halls and museums where people enjoy these performances (Word Press, 2012). Such an arrangement can help the people in expressing their cultures which boost the national heritage. Furthermore, the works of the artists contribute to the economy of the country through their sales and attraction of tourists. Definitely, public funding should be used to support such a venture as it is economically viable.
The government offers financial aid for the students in a manner that allows the students to continue their programs with the least of trouble (Harvard University, 2012). In as much as the fee allocation for the courses is different, the schools should make sure that the financial aid is synchronized. There is a regulatory board that makes sure that both the sciences and arts are funded as per the requirements of the courses. This is a clear indication of the way to go. The public should support the learning institutions in producing graduates who are competent in all areas so as to attain self reliance. Supporting arts and sciences is the way to go.
According to Skotheim (2012), also contributes to this debate by indicating that there is no way that the public funds should not be used in support of the sciences and arts. He further indicates that the funding should not be biased to one course. Rather, it should be synchronized so as to make sure that the learning institutions produce professionals who can steer the nation towards self-reliance. The realization of this largely depends on the public funding for these institutions which allows them to run effectively.
In conclusion, it is well known that people pursue different careers for different reasons most of which are propelled by the individuals’ passions. These people acquire the skills which assist in achieving the country’s development agendas. Furthermore, it has been indicated that the two are very vital in helping the nation to reach the levels of development that it aspires for. They are, in their different ways, core to the attainment of the development and economic agendas. Looking at this perspective, it is clear that the arts and scientific projects in the country should receive public funding. This is because both the arts and sciences have their benefits which cannot be substituted. Rather, they should be supported and encouraged; the public should be at the forefront in providing this support through funding.
References
Harvard University. (2012). Government: Admission, Financial Aid, and Residence Requirements. Retrieved on 3rd Sept. 2012 from http://www.gsas.harvard.edu/programs_of_study/government.php
Skotheim, R.A. (2012). Op-ed: Using Liberal Arts to Reverse the Decline at Public Universities. The Seattle Times, Sept.1, 2012. Retrieved on 3rd Sept. 2012 from http://seattletimes.com/html/opinion/2019041428_guestrobertskotheimxml.html
Word Press. (2012). Spending on Art. Retrieved on 3rd Sept. 2012 from http://writefix.com/?page_id=2070
