GRE Issue Topic 5

Sample 1:

Some may say, “I don’t care about painters or sculptors”, but the creative arts encompass so much more. It is not strictly high–brow. The artists include writers of fiction, drama, poetry, and journalism. They include composers of country music, Broadway scores, and classical pieces. Many people don’t realize the number of ways that they are exposed to art in their everyday lives. The National Endowment for the Arts supports programs all around the United States that promote exposure to all of the creative arts. The NEA also funds grants for various artists and projects through an application and award process. There is little doubt that, without this organization, children in otherwise culturally–deprived areas of the country would have no introduction to the creative arts. The struggling artist may be a popular stereotype in film and fiction, but the fact of the matter is that new artists in nearly every field do struggle, at least for a time. The NEA allows these artists to apply for grants to help them get a start.

However, since it is funded by the government, the NEA budget depends on the whims of Congress. Senators and congressmen also feel entitled to attempt to place restrictions on the type of artwork or artist supported by NEA grants. There arises the paternalistic attitude that says,” If I’m paying for it, I’ll decide how it gets used.” Congress has attempted to censor some forms of artistic expression by claiming that it is pornographic or demeaning to one group or another, even that it is unpatriotic. It is difficult, if not impossible, for an artist to express his vision if that vision is clouded by requirements placed upon it by otherwise well–meaning public servants.

What are the alternatives to public funding of the arts? It used to be that gifted artists would have wealthy patrons who were individuals or even the Vatican itself in the case of the sculptor/architect, Bernini. Of course, the Catholic Church placed restrictions on the kinds of work completed. Other patrons generally made demands of the artists they supported as well. The artists, however, did stave off starvation and homelessness. Patrons of the arts still exist and invest in Broadway productions, pay for visiting musicians at local concert halls, and donate paintings to museums. This still limits accessibility to the arts for those who live in rural or otherwise remote areas.

Does one require live experiences to say that he/she has been exposed to the arts? The World Wide Web allows anyone with an Internet connection to view works of the masters and hear recorded performances or see video of live performances. Nearly everyone with a cellular phone carries around a camera and a video recorder, and they upload their recordings to YouTube by the thousands every day. Those second–hand viewings and audios may not replace a visit to the Louvre or La Scala, but they do make the arts accessible. Local libraries have a service for their card holders that enables the patrons to download best sellers to their electronic readers or tablets, making a trip to the library, itself, unnecessary.

Men and women of ideas and artistic talent can create followings on the Internet by daily writing and uploading to their own blogs. There is a better opportunity for artists in every medium to retain their integrity and freedom of expression if they let the public decide who shall succeed and who shall not rather than relying on funds that may have strings attached.

Sample 2:

Since time immemorial art has been an integral part of our society. The varied creativity of people results in distinctive forms of art. There are various forms of arts prevalent around the world. Different nations have different forms of arts and arts depict the culture of a nation. The various forms of art act as a mirror of the country’s values and beliefs. Art is not dependent upon any other source for its existence. The only thing that an artist ever wishes for is his admirers who are the true source for his inspiration. In the present scenario government has taken due interest in protecting various forms of arts of a country. I believe that an artist does not need any sort of monetary support and hence an artist is capable of protecting his form of art. Therefore, government’s intervention by funding arts is unnecessary and it would certainly harm the integrity of any art form.

An artist only seeks admiration from public and the various forms of art came into existence without any monetary support but out of creativity. An artist’s creativity does not depend upon any sort of funding and an artist can not be forced to create any form of art because that art form is funded by government. A dancer does not need funds to support his dance rather he needs admirers and followers who would take his legacy to another level. Similarly, a sculptor is not dependent upon government’s funds for his sculptures rather he would need students who would keep alive his art form. There are numerous examples from history which depict that the various art forms came into existence without any sort of funding. These art forms are till date followed by people. The great painter artist Leonardo de Vinci was not funded by any government for his art form but his admirers were the true source of his popularity. Art has been prevalent in our history without the support of funding from government.

Although art has always been there since the time humans have been there in this world. There are numerous art forms that are in existence without the support of the government. The government intervention in protecting certain art forms because those art forms were on the verge of extinction is credible. In such fields the role of government has shown remarkable success. The support from government has only helped in saving an art form and also it has aided artists to keep their art form alive. The various small scale industries are supported by government and pottery is one of them. The artisans are now provided funds by government to save their art form.

Various art forms have been in existence on their own and without the support of the government. It is not important that art needs funding for its existence but when any form of art needs funds the support from government can always be asked for. The government should adopt measures to fund arts when it is needed. The government should also take steps to encourage young aspiring artists.