As long as people in a society are hungry or out of work or lack the basic skills needed to survive

Can you elaborate on the term 'arts'? In the absence of the areas to be included in this term, it is not possible to give any opinion. Generally I can say that down the ages we have precedents where a single idea- a product of arts - has turned the whole world upside down!

The basic needs are to provide food, shelter and employment to people. Everything else is secondary. However art is nothing but doing things in a pleasant and stylish manner. Clothing is our necessity. stitching clothes well is also an art.