What is so special about artists?

[Eric P]

I just got a survey from highlands ranch about a new building they want to build to bring artists to the community.

And today I heard on KOA the the city will let artists occupy substandard residential and commercial buildings while they are brought up to code.

What is so special about these types? Why do they get so much free money for producing stuff that offer little value to society? If their products were in demand, wouldn't they be able to make a living?

It's probably the same romantic vision politicians have with rail...