There are many people who justify an anti-artistic stance by saying that the modern world, or America, does not have time for the arts. This argument is completely bogus. If America has the time for right-wing talk shows, for political correctness, for tele-evangelists and for psychiatry, then it most certainly has the time for the arts, which take less resources to create than the preceding and demand less time from the audience to view.
Arts also happens to be a positive influence on society. The same needs that people fulfil through drugs and alcohol, can be fulfilled in a much more wholesome manner through art. Unlike things such as drugs, art does not destroy the brain; and unlike things such as SUVs it does not pollute the environment. With the exception of a few huge sculptures, the resources expended on producing art are minimal; whereas utility realized can in many cases be exceptionally high.
Art gives expression to what people feel and helps them to understand themselves and be healthy emotionally. Art gives people an experience of beauty that shows what is possible and that vastly enriches people's lives. Art becomes a flower of civilization that lasts long after the present era is over and by which civilizations become known. Friedrich Schiller said that art possesses the beauty of nature but none of its cruelty. This makes art a valuable addition to any civilization and a valuable addition to people's lives.
So if America has the time for - right-wing talk shows, political correctness, psychiatry and tele-evangelists - then it most certainly has the time for a pursuit that takes minimal resources to create and realizes vast utility to the viewer. The more art is produced and viewed, the less is the need for much more expensive things such as drug addiction treatment and psychotropic medication. And the more the civilization is beautified to make it the best place that it can be.