Lots of people spend money on their hobbies, including art, including art that is meant for others to see and appreciate.
Also, promotion of culture (for example funded by taxes at national or city level) is a thing.
One example, I know of a few graffiti walls near where I live. I'm not sure if the city just allowed the graffitis and the artists paid for supplies themselves of if the city provided them too. I've even heard of cities hiring artists for that.
Sure, electronics are more expensive than spray paint, but definitely not to the point where none of these models could work. Have you ever been at a maker faire? It's amazing what people build (and are willing to spend) just for the heck of creating stuff.
Also, promotion of culture (for example funded by taxes at national or city level) is a thing.
One example, I know of a few graffiti walls near where I live. I'm not sure if the city just allowed the graffitis and the artists paid for supplies themselves of if the city provided them too. I've even heard of cities hiring artists for that.
Sure, electronics are more expensive than spray paint, but definitely not to the point where none of these models could work. Have you ever been at a maker faire? It's amazing what people build (and are willing to spend) just for the heck of creating stuff.