Right. Situation becomes different when art is subsidized and subsidies get centralized (hence "official art"). That was one of the reasons for impressionists reacting against the "pompiers" as we call them, noting that of course the pompiers were very good in their own style, and again enjoy the appreciation they deserve. See musée d'Orsay in Paris for instance, where both and many others area on display.
Even when art receives few subsidies, you cannot avoid other forms of dominance via sponsoring and advertising, which is another, not even subtle form of "official art", which is not even democratically controlled. Free markets are a fiction.
In addition, "making a difference" has more vital than ever, because of quick and cheap communication. In a similar domain, local musicians or composers could make a living with their art, even one century ago. That's over.
