why is art a luxury item?

Question

when artist are struggling to survive?

Answer 1

A luxury is anything that is not required for survival. Supporting starving artists is pretty much not required for anyone's survival but the artist's. So while it may literally represent meat and drink to the artist, art remains an optional thing for most people. Personally I'd find art in my life no matter how little luxury I could afford. But that wouldn't really feed any artists.

Also, not all artists are struggling to survive. Some of them make decent livings or are wealthy.