[katex]

I would like to express my opinion on other points raised in this thread, but my little brain can only deal with one thing at a time.

Yes, I do believe in the Government funding arts .. have to look at the well-being of all aspects of our citizens, and suspect the budget is small compared with other services. Art is subjective and will always prompt criticism from many quarters ... but think there is a wide variation to suit all tastes. We have to have a little bit of colour in our life too.

I also don't object to talented people receiving free art/dancing/drama lessons either. Technics have to be learnt no matter what talent you possess. Some people discover their talent later in life and not obtainable to them through school/college.

You A-B hinted that this money should be spent more on encouraging manufacturing industries, and Garinda, a poor little lass with some terrible illness. That, I find, is rather unfair and below the belt.

I am sure all is being done by the council to invite entrepeneurs to our town.. but where would they shop ? Yes, the supermarkets .. would still need something to attract them to the centre.

As to Garinda's point, again I feel that all is being done for this little girl to help her with her illness .. but suspect medical science has come to a standstill on this one and no matter what monies was offered to help wouldn't have any effect.

I suspect that both you and Garinda both attended University to gain your degrees in Art at a time when grants were issued and not loans, so you, yourself, was taught your knowledge of painting on the backs of us tax payers.