[Margaret Pilkington]

Art in the community, funded by the taxpayer is like going to the pictures when you have no food in the cupboard, and no money to pay the rent.
Art is not essential, emptying the bins is.

Ok, Art may enhance local suroundings, but it may not be to the taste of everyone.
One persons art is another persons eyesore.

As for local artists having to learn their trade...well, that may be the case, but don't let's spend public money on it when other thin gs are more important.
I am of the opinion that if an artist is good, then people will want to buy their work...if not, then they had better have a plan B up their sleeve.