Enriching the Art World Through Public Grants

Re “Artists Will Get By Without Grants,” letter, July 6: Your letter writer’s example of Vincent Van Gogh as a great artist who “never received a public grant from the French government, yet ... managed to leave the world an inspired body of work” may be true, but imagine if Van Gogh had received public grants for his innovative and inspiring works; perhaps he would not have lived a life of rejection and depression that ultimately led to his suicide.

Through public grants, education and support, Van Gogh could have been recognized for his extraordinary gifts while he was alive. With public grants, Van Gogh might have lived a much longer life and enriched his public and the museums of the world with even greater achievements in the world of art.

Larry Zeiger

San Diego