Can art save the world?

This was asked at an opening last week, and I launched into my diatribe over whether it was possible and came to the conclusion that it can't, but it can help save one person. Art touches everyone differently, we might agree on certain terms about the cultural product but beyond that there is so much going on.
I am loathe to try and articulate the who why when and wheres, but I know there have been times that I have found greatness in art. In music and my love, books. I wouldn't be what I am if I hadn't been exposed to much greatness and so much trash. I truly believe that if you have art in your life, you can be rescued from the direst straits.