Knock LA

NOlympics Los Angeles and KNOCK.LA explore the impacts of hosting the Olympic Games.

The Olympic games are sold to cities around the world as an opportunity to revitalize and highlight their development. When a city wins a bid there is a predictable cycle of skyrocketing housing costs, increased policing, and an influx of incredible wealth. Far from bringing tourist dollars the games actually facilitate a transfer of wealth upwards.

Neighborhoods are uprooted in favor of luxury development. Whole blocks are leveled to make room for new venues. Forests are literally clear cut for ski runs.

The International Olympic Committee is comprised of incredibly wealthy and powerful individuals. Local politicians and business leaders curry their favor to win lucrative contracts and opportunities to profit at the community’s expense.

When we talk about the Olympics we need to look beyond the ceremonies and sports, we need to see who benefits and who loses across a city. The games are sold as a win for everyone to mask that they are designed only to benefit the wealthy few.

For more information: https://NOlympicsLA.com