'Change the Name of the Arts District to the Luxury District'

Are artists victims of gentrification? Or the perpetrators of it?

Artists move into empty post-industrial spaces and poor neighborhoods, save on rent, create their work, build up studios and communities... and then find they're priced out.

"Artists are brave," says artist Lisa Adams, "they are on the front line and they're willing to put up with things that other populations won't." Photo: Saul Gonzalez

Artist-in-residence Kelcey Fisher with one of his large paintings on display at OLiVE DTLA Photo: Avishay Artsy

Artists Nancy Uyemura and Michael Parker face eviction from their respective

studio spaces in L.A.'s Arts District. Photo: Saul Gonzalez