Well; I'm an atrist too - have been all my life but not always active. I enjoy art even the stuff I don't get - so I suppose you could say I'm tolerant.
I'm also supportive of the efforts within my local community (where I live and where I work - two different locals) to get the government to support art but we are in the midst of hard times - especially here in sunny socal.
Right now we have many a fiscal crisis and spending money on art is by and large *NOT* something I See that will serve the greatest public good. That means I can't see CA spending money on a mural over CA spending money fixing the pot holes in front of my office. If I have to choose - I can find someone to privately fund the mural likely with little difficulty. The potholes *ARE* supposed to be paid for from public funds much more clearly.
Art is subjective in every way, pot holes aren't subjective at all. Infrustructure is the backbone of our economy and if we treat it like crap it will turn to exactly that. Potholes are mearly an example however simple so try not to get hung up on them.
Also for some perspective - I work in an government office, when things must get done to produce results the art hanging on the walk is of little consequence. It might make you feel good to come to the office but if you need THAT to go to work every day then you're quite clearly in the wrong job.
