It frustrates me to no end when people seem to think that the arts are completely worthless, that they don't add to the value of society or they are somehow lesser than other disciplines or professions. Obviously there are a ridiculous number of social benefits that the arts provide, however, as these benefits seem to not be high on the priorities of those who argue against the arts I will now attempt to see it from an economic stand point. So, here is a world without the arts.
There is no architecture. Goodbye to the beautiful buildings in Rome and Greece. Goodbye to the historic buildings of Melbourne that form the wonderful alleyways that flow throughout the city. Goodbye to the Eiffel Tower, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Taj Mahal, the Hagia Sophia, the Statue of Liberty and many many others. These monuments attract thousands of people each year and bring millions of dollars in tourism to these countries. Not to mention the tourism revenue that arts organizations such as galleries and museums provide. Of the top 10 tourist destinations in the UK, 8 are museums.
There is no advertising or photography. There is no such thing as graphic design. Businesses have no way to connect to a client base other than way of simple text. There is no way to personalise a brand or large company therefore losing potential business.
There is no fashion industry. Retail stores all look the same and carry the same basic clothing. Individuality is non-existant.
There is no entertainment industry. No films, no video games, no music.
When it comes down to it, the arts are a major employer and create vastly more revenue than it costs to cultivate them. The arts make economic sense as well as providing countless social benefits. Society needs the arts and people who say otherwise are ignorant of the facts.
