The speaker makes two arguments. First, he argues that a nation’s citizens cannot be served simultaneously both by the arts and the basic needs of its citizens, calling this a ‘false dichotomy’. Second, he claims that the arts are an inappropriate use of public resources

On the surface, these arguments seem reasonable. The speaker is correct in noting that there are circumstances in which people do not have sufficient food and other basic necessities. However, his arguments that arts should not be funded by taxpayer money are flawed. Firstly, arts are an important part of a nation’s culture. It is through art that a culture can express its traditions, values, and aspirations. Without the arts, a nation’s culture is lessened. As the speaker notes, the starving population of the nation would also suffer by not having any art, because the starving people would not be able to express their own cultural identity through the arts

A second area of contention is the assertion that the arts are an inappropriate use of public resources. The speaker argues that the arts are a luxury, and that the government should instead focus its efforts on providing food and other basic necessities to its citizens. But while it is true that arts are a luxury, they are not a luxury that can be provided only for the wealthy. People of all financial backgrounds can enjoy and participate in the arts. Furthermore, it is in a nation’s best interest to provide its citizens with the opportunity to appreciate cultural experiences. Exposure to the arts increases an individual’s intellectual capacity, creativity, and critical thinking skills. All of these skills are essential for successful functioning in a society. This enhances a nation’s productivity, and, consequently, its wealth

The speaker’s assertion that providing art to citizens would somehow cause a population to fall further into poverty is unfounded. In fact, studies have shown that art programs do help to alleviate poverty. The National Endowment for the Arts has funded many art programs in cities where poverty has been particularly prevalent. The Chicago Symphony, for example, has partnered with several inner-city schools to provide music education to underprivileged students. The program not only teaches musical skills, but also instills discipline and boosts self-esteem among participants. Additionally, the symphony has collaborated with the Chicago Park District to allow students to spend time at the city’s outdoor museums. The Park District, in turn, provides free admission to the museum, and provides students with food, transportation, and a place to rest. By providing students with educational opportunities and providing them with incentives to participate in these programs, the symphony has been able to eradicate poverty among Chicago’s inner-city students. The arts do indeed help alleviate poverty, and are an important cornerstone of a healthy, productive society

The speaker makes a valid point when he notes that it is inappropriate to use public resources to fund the arts when people are hungry or unemployed. However, we must also remember that people cannot be served simultaneously by art and food. A nation’s citizens must have food, clothing, and shelter before they can develop their own culture. Without art, a nation’s citizens can never be truly enriched, and their well-being will always be lacking. To deny them access to art would be to deny them a critical component of their own identity.