ART Washing
“Art washing” is a term used to describe a practice where organizations or businesses use art or cultural activities to improve their image without genuinely contributing to the local arts community or relevant social issues. This term is often used in the context of corporations or property developers using art or culture as a marketing tool to attract customers or new residents without actually supporting or enriching the local arts community.
This practice is often criticized because it’s seen as an attempt to cover up or mask the negative impacts of business activities or development. For example, a company might put up mural art on their building walls as part of a marketing strategy, but at the same time, they might be engaged in business practices that harm the environment or the local community.
Art washing can also lead to cultural gentrification, where local art communities are displaced from their areas as property prices rise due to increased interest from investors or new customers attracted by the “culture” brought by the corporation or developer.
It’s important to recognize that art and culture have tremendous intrinsic value and can be used to enrich and strengthen communities. However, art washing occurs when art and culture are exploited or misused for business interests without respecting or supporting the arts community and the underlying social issues.
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