Artists and creative spaces are key drivers of gentrification, a process often labelled as artwashing, which carries negative connotations. However, there’s also a positive aspect to artwashing, where art is used constructively to divert attention from or legitimise negative actions associated with gentrification. The documentary film Artwashing Juxtaposed: Raising Awareness of Gentrification in the Historical Villages of Stellenbosch explores the concept alongside land art by Strijdom van der Merwe, artworks by Stellenbosch University visual arts students, and performances by drama students. Ronnie Donaldson will facilitate a discussion with colleagues from the university’s visual arts and drama department, along with community representatives from the four villages.
