Price hikes in Reno have been affecting a lot of tenants in the area, but what happens when another factor speeds this process up? What if it’s a pretty mural that even bars the artist themselves out of being able to afford local housing?
These photos are of the Civic Center Apartments, my last apartment building in Midtown. I spent three years living at the Civic Center, and the only time the rent increased significantly was when this mural (in full below) was added onto the building.
The mural on the outside of the Civic Center Apartments which coincided with the rent going up. Photo by Mariya Dawson.
There were other events that went into the price increase – including the general inflation within Reno and around the country, as well as a shortage in housing – but the act of “artwashing” is also a factor that is not often talked about.
The act of “artwashing” is recognized as using artists and their work to obstruct and sugarcoat actions by an individual, organization, or even the government – and is mostly in reference to gentrification.
One thing’s for sure: In 2022, there’s a rather hefty price to pay to have art on the streets if it’s in a neighborhood or a building near you.