Artwashing Ethics Examined Amid Precarious Funding and Artist Vulnerability
Artwashing, the practice of utilizing art to sanitize unethical financial activities or gentrification, has historical ties to the Medicis and gained prominence in 2016 during the Boyle Heights discussions in Los Angeles. Artists encounter dubious offers, such as a $4,500 commission for digital artwork promoting exclusive 'global citizenship' subscriptions. This trend takes advantage of art's association with community and social justice, while artists are often compelled to contribute or raise funds without compensation. The defunding of arts in the UK and US worsens the situation, marginalizing vulnerable voices. Ireland's Basic Income for the Arts initiative, introduced in 2022, offers approximately €17,000 each year. Joanna Walsh's book, 'Amateurs!: How We Built Internet Culture and Why it Matters,' is set for release by Verso in September 2025.
Key facts
- Artwashing involves using art to legitimize unethical money or gentrification, with historical examples like the Medicis.
- The term 'artwashing' was popularized around 2016 in response to art's role in gentrifying Boyle Heights, Los Angeles.
- Artists receive questionable commissions, such as a $4,500 offer for digital artwork from an organization promoting exclusive 'global citizenship'.
- State arts defunding in the UK and US forces financially secure artists or those accepting dubious offers to dominate the art scene.
- Ireland's Basic Income for the Arts scheme, launched in 2022, provides creative practitioners with around €17,000 annually.
- The UK's Fossil Free Books movement persuaded Edinburgh Book Festival to divest from investment company Baillie Gifford in 2024.
- Artist Suzanne Walsh highlights the emotional toll of artwashing and pressure for free community contributions.
- Joanna Walsh's book 'Amateurs!: How We Built Internet Culture and Why it Matters' will be published by Verso in September 2025.
Entities
Artists
- Joanna Walsh
- Suzanne Walsh
Institutions
- ArtReview
- Verso
- Basic Income for the Arts
- Fossil Free Books
- Edinburgh Book Festival
- Baillie Gifford
Locations
- Los Angeles
- United States
- Boyle Heights
- UK
- United Kingdom
- Ireland
- Europe