R: The Government Should Fund the Arts

Grand public arts projects stand as testaments to great projects of history. The arts have served to communicate narrative and feeling to illiterate audiences, to expand the purposes of religion, history, and philosophy. Nations have funded Operas, massive Cathedrals, literature, television programs, humanities research, and even rock and roll. The NEH claims government funded arts "strengthen our republic by promoting excellence in the humanities and conveying the lessons of history to all Americans." But is there a timeless wisdom to the folk lyrics "Who takes the king's shilling, takes the king's song?"

As Trump threatens to cut back on sources of funding for the arts, we must ask, what is the role of art in our society? Who should hold the purse strings for each paint-stroke? Shall we call for a separation of Art and State or will we claim the humanities are so fundamental it is better to risk propaganda than privatization?