What should be the function of art?

Question:

What should be the function of art?

We spend an enormous amount of time consuming art in our society (TV, music, film, theatre....to mention the most popular). What is gained from our investment of time and money?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

I would think to enrich life - to tell the truth about our lives, or the human condition, in a way that is beyond just words and statistics. You just know art when you see it. A lot of people consume art for entertainment and diversion from their everyday lives - I often do, and still others also enjoy art because it can provide insight into our lives, or another way of looking at the world. When art touches something inside you - a song makes you cry, a photograph or painting makes you stop and stare, a character in a book makes you laugh out loud - it's a great experience. Good art is lasting, and retains its meaning for generations.