> without any kind of enforcement structure.
it's peer pressure. Just because the force isn't voilence doesn't mean there isnt a reinforcement structure.
> They are payment for services.
so back to the art grants - are they services the citizens really want?
As someone living in US, a significant part of my taxes is used to bomb some people overseas for no good reason that I can think of. The value of that "service" for me is effectively negative (it makes another 9/11 that much more likely).
Second, taxes are not a gift or donation, nor is the government just taking them from you. They are payment for services. It's true that you are locked into a business transaction with the government, but it's meant to be a fair exchange. And unless you are incredibly wealthy, you have a favorable rate in the sense that the services you receive are worth more than what you're paying for.