When conservatives implement austerity budgets, music, art, and drama programmes are among the first casualties. When cities build an art gallery, or a theatre, or an art centre, conservatives think it\u2019s a waste of money. When cities commission an artist to create a public art piece, conservatives complain. When arts organizations are subsidized by government funding, conservatives call it excessive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yet despite their hatred for the arts, they consume it every day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
The arts were the music classes of the musicians they listen to on the radio or their Spotify list at work and during their commute. The arts were the drama classes of the artists they watch in their favourite TV show or the latest movie. The arts were the art classes of the architect who designed their house and the engineer who designed the stadium where their favourite hockey team plays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Art is integrated into every aspect of society. It\u2019s why cities are alive with vibrant, diverse colour rather than just various shades of grey. It\u2019s why buildings come in various shapes and sizes instead of uninspiring cubes. It\u2019s why there\u2019s Christmas music playing in stores in December. It\u2019s why cars don\u2019t all look the same. It\u2019s why movies at the theatre are immersive experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s hypocritical to oppose the arts while participating in society in any meaningful way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n