From the point of view of someone who does art and does not put it up for sale, I can tell you that art changes the individual. The act of creation itself uplifts and inspires the spirit of the artist, and that emotion is transferred to the viewer (usually along with many other emotions the artist did not anticipate!) Aesthetics aside, a true work of art acts on the heart, mind and spirit of the one who created it and the ones who view it. In that sense, it will change the world, one person at a time.

As far as calling attention to and raising awareness of social issues, art can be instrumental, but as you have pointed out, possibly only to an elite few. That doesn’t mean an artist should not attempt to communicate such awareness. A particular position on a universal issue more than likely has great personal value to the artist, and there is that desire to communicate to others.

Just my $2.98.