Exercise: Should the Government Sponsor Art Programmes On TV

QUESTION:

Some people think that the government should financially support art programmes on TV. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

ANSWER:

Art is one of the most valuable intellectual properties of humankind. To spread art forms and make the public enjoy them more, some people suggest the government sponsor TV programmes related to art. Personally, I think that even though it is necessary to promote art, such sponsorship is not wise.

First, I do agree art has many and various benefits to us all. Artists practise their various art forms to record natural beauty. Such work carries the wisdom of humanity and is very amusing to all. Psychologists even believe such work can inspire people’s creativity and improve people’s efficiency in working and studying. Therefore, we should make art more popular, and introducing it to the public through TV programmes is very practical.
Therefore, we should make art more popular by introducing it to the public through TV programmes. 
(Therefore, we should make art more popular in a pratical way; introducing it to the public through TV programmes.) 

Nevertheless, this does not necessarily mean the government should use public money to support art programmes on TV. A variety of other, more urgent social issues, such as poverty, starvation and basic education, also need a great deal of money to tackle. Art programmes on TV, as a means of recreation, certainly is not as important as these problems. Moreover, the investment on art programmes on TV might even be counterproductive to this goal. Since it is not practical to give financial support to all art forms and businesses on TV, this investment might jeopardise the industry’s fairness. Companies that are unfairly treated are consequently likely to be discouraged to continue their investments in this industry.

In conclusion, despite the benefits of art to humanity, I do not think it is appropriate for the government to directly invest money on art TV programmes.