Many artists and other cultural figures have been passionate and outspoken advocates for the necessity of the arts in the lives of all of humanity. However, the starving artist and homeless man on the street are probably not what first comes to mind when one considers the importance of the arts. While it is true that the arts in many countries have suffered from a lack of governmental support, suspending funding for the arts would have the opposite effect of that which the advocate wishes to achieve

The arts provide incredible opportunities for people to express themselves, and for many, expressing themselves through art is the best way to deal with trauma or depression. As psychologist and psychiatrist Carl Jung remarked, ‘the artist is a person for whom reality is a dream, and who dreams reality.’ For these individuals, art provides the escape that allows their troubled minds to process the pains of the world. A hiatus in funding for the arts would likely result in a greater number of troubled individuals in their countries, and it would certainly affect their economies and overall well-being in negative ways. When a culture’s citizens are depressed, they are unable to function efficiently; they are less creative, productive, and happy. Therefore, it would be short-sighted to promote the suspension of funding for the arts when so many people are suffering. Furthermore, suspending funding for the arts would only cause individuals to become more dependent on the state for their basic needs. Without art to help express oneself, these individuals would be less likely to seek the help they need or to advocate for themselves. Such individuals would instead rely on the state to provide handouts and would be less likely to contribute to the economy

The arts also provide a means of showcasing one’s culture to the rest of the world. Perhaps a better term than ‘displaying’ would be ‘honoring’. When a foreign nation sends an ambassador to represent its interests, it is usually with the intention of displaying its best qualities to the rest of the world. Similarly, when other nations sponsor art exhibits and performances, they are imitating the behaviors that are valued in their own cultures. When a country does not value the arts, it sends the message that the behaviors portrayed through these arts are disreputable or unimportant. This loss of cultural pride would not only have a negative effect on the individual nations, but also on international relations. Nations with high levels of cultural pride are more likely to cooperate and negotiate openly with others, whereas nations without pride are more likely to go to war and wage war on others. Furthermore, a cultural pride is an important aspect of a country’s national identity, and suspending funding for the arts would only serve to further erode the cohesion of a nation

Finally, it is important to remember that the arts do not just benefit the individuals who are involved in the field. When a nation suspends funding for the arts, it is not only hurting itself, but it is also hurting the economy. Without the arts, a nation loses an important source of tourist revenue. A nation that suspends funding for the arts may see a significant decline in the number of tourists it draws to its museums, theaters, and concert halls. The loss of these tourists would have a negative effect on the economy and, in turn, on the nation’s ability to sustain itself. Furthermore, many of the people who rely on the arts for employment would suffer. When the government cuts funding for the arts, the people who work in those industries are not the only ones affected: their families also suffer, as they lose their income. Therefore, a nation should not be so quick to suspend funding for the arts when so many of its citizens are suffering

If a government wishes to help its citizens, it must not only ensure that the basic needs of its citizens are met, but also that it promotes a culture of creativity and the arts. Encouraging self-expression through art allows a country’s citizens to deal with difficulties, while displaying their beauty, talent, and pride to the rest of the world.