yeah that makes sense and syncs with my understanding. The …

yeah that makes sense and syncs with my understanding. The right (gross over generalization) whines and complains about the arts (with moralistic judgements) but they don't support the arts - so there you have it. That said, I think this is a classic example of another dialectic where the right and left, on queue, fight. Of COURSE 'the arts' are important. When people are free, they are naturally (inherently so) creative. And they create things, play, etc..
The "& Culture" of "Arts & Culture" as its called in funding circles piece is probably where the criticism from the right comes from. It begs the question: whose culture?
As Clifton points out in his post, American culture is so rich with creativity and it just gets put into one pot as far as the right is concerned. (again, super over-generalization here - i am very aware that some on the so called right support the arts). Clifton is from the theater community and he is definitely not in a "Lib" camp but he's not in a conservative camp either. Free thinkers practically never are.