I've been visiting galleries more often lately, and I keep wondering: does public funding for abstract art actually benefit society, or is it just a luxury for the few? Last week I saw an installation made of stacked tires that cost $50,000 in grants, and half the visitors walked out confused. Maybe art doesn't need to be understood to be valuable, but when schools are cutting music programs, shouldn't we redirect that money somewhere more practical? I'm torn because I love stumbling upon unexpected pieces in public spaces, yet I can't shake the feeling that some projects are more about the artist's resume than community impact. What do you think—is taxpayer money on abstract art ever justified?