Alex asked some friends why they think the government supports the arts.

Paul, a composer of contemporary ‘classical’ music, observes “I don't think there would be modern music without government aid”. When I remind him of the existence of pop music he is embarrassed. He probably wanted to say that pop music is not real music, but he doesn’t. Instead he talks about the great classical tradition. “I think it is absolutely necessary that it continues. And consistent renewal is the only way. I strongly believe that in the long run innovation is in everybody's interest. But even those who love classical music do not seem to be that interested. I hate to say this, but people don't even know what's good for them. And so the government has to take responsibility. And not supporting or not supporting music enough is not only shortsighted; it's also extremely unfair. Even with subsidies I earn very little and so bear a large part of the costs of my own artistic work. Without any support, artists like me would carry the full burden of the costs of the little innovation that still remains. I think it would be very unfair to stop subsidization.”

Peter is a visual artist who works in the ‘fringe’ avant-garde circuit. He just manages to eke out a living and continues to make his art because of the availability of all sorts of small subsidies. As long as he can do his own thing, he doesn't consider his low income as unfair. “It is the price I pay. But I do think society should also pay a price. Art comments on society and has values that are independent of market value. I think it's the duty of artists to offer critical commentaries through their art – also on the influence of the market and the role of money in society. But one cannot expect people to pay for painful comments. Therefore, society should furnish a free haven for art outside the market.” For Peter this is the raison d’être of subsidization. “If subsidization were stopped, art would become overwhelmingly commercial and lose its sting. In the end, society would emerge as the real loser.”