I still don't get it...
How does the federal government giving money to the Arts help the economy?
I like the arts. In fact, I keep meaning to visit the Quick at SBU to visit the art gallery there. I wish I could attend more performances.
But here's the rub. I'd like to be able to go to a lot more performances. Actually, here's my dream list of what I'd love to do:
And I'm sure there's more. But all these things cost money. Sure, the federal government can give handouts to the Arts, but if no one can afford to appreciate these arts then there's still a problem. We've all seen Broadway shows close due to lack of attendance. Many scifi actors rely on the convention scene as extra income from all those photos and autographs (although I'm not going to touch the subject of Jewel Staite and her shoes, some actors don't need as much as others it seems).
So, hey, Washington. If you give me a mere $1,000 I'll put that money into the Arts for you. And that way, we can all be a little bit happier. But if you don't, I'll just continue not going to anything unless it's free.
Fortunately, the Quick is among those free galleries.
I like the arts. In fact, I keep meaning to visit the Quick at SBU to visit the art gallery there. I wish I could attend more performances.
But here's the rub. I'd like to be able to go to a lot more performances. Actually, here's my dream list of what I'd love to do:
- Attend all Kathy Mattea's North America concerts - it's not just the music, it's the friends I've made.
- Go to all scifi cons that catch my eye
- Attend various musical theater productions in Pittsburgh, Toronto, and maybe even NYC
- Visit various art galleries with exhibits that catch my eye
- Purchase the William Wegman merchandise I've been wanting
And I'm sure there's more. But all these things cost money. Sure, the federal government can give handouts to the Arts, but if no one can afford to appreciate these arts then there's still a problem. We've all seen Broadway shows close due to lack of attendance. Many scifi actors rely on the convention scene as extra income from all those photos and autographs (although I'm not going to touch the subject of Jewel Staite and her shoes, some actors don't need as much as others it seems).
So, hey, Washington. If you give me a mere $1,000 I'll put that money into the Arts for you. And that way, we can all be a little bit happier. But if you don't, I'll just continue not going to anything unless it's free.
Fortunately, the Quick is among those free galleries.