Opinion: Bill Gates Neglects Role of Art in Philanthropy

In a Wall Street Journal opinion piece, Bill Gates receives flack for his Financial Times interview in which he said donations to museums were not as worthwhile as contributions to prevent illnesses.

Wall Street Journal drama critic Terry Teachout argues that Bill Gates has a limited view of philanthropy by excluding the arts from his generosity and describes how funding by wealthy individuals has made art more accessible to the public.

Mr. Teachout says nonprofits don’t have to choose whether to support the arts or health-related causes. For example, he mentions the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, which supports both the performing arts and medical research.