The benefits of using art in the workplace are considerable: offices have to be decorated anyway. It pleases and motivates the workforce; it enables a company to project a positive image and to act like a Medici, sponsoring artists; and not least, careful buying can provide a possible investment’ Antony Thorncroft, the Financial Times
Art used in the business environment creates a unique window into the company. By using art, a company can demonstrate the qualities that set it apart from its competitors, give it a business advantage, and create the impression that the business is a cultured organisation.
1. Art can enhance the company's image
An art program provides clues about a company -- its taste, its financial status, its relationship to the community, and its appreciation of the relationships between business, design and the fine arts.
The art hanging on the walls can show how the company wants to be identified.
Artwork displayed in a reception area, waiting room or meeting room creates a feeling of comfort and helps put visitors and customers at ease. It shows the success of the company and suggests a forward thinking and dynamic company culture.
Caution: Companies must be sensitive to the power of visual imagery that may offend some of the firm’s employees -- overly violent or openly sexual works may not be appropriate in a work environment
Example: Art programs can be used to signal success and corporate responsibility to the company’s stockholders. It is often part of the social audit of a company.
2. Art creates a stimulating and inspiring environment for the employees
Research shows that art in the workplace reduces stress, increases creativity and productivity, enhances commitment, broadens employee appreciation of diversity, and encourages discussions.
Employees are often a company’s largest budget expense item -- so it pays to keep them satisfied and motivated.
Art humanises the work environment and gives the business a context in their employees' lives and activities.
It is part of a larger trend of creating a stimulating and more pleasant working environment. Every year there are reports listing the best places to work and the best companies. High ranking companies invariably have art collections.
It demonstrate the company's integrity to clients and visitors, and shows how the company views the importance of their employees. The art displayed supports and confirms the company’s image and corporate identity.
3. In marketing and selling, art can brand a company's culture and products
Art and commerce have a symbiotic relationship. For more than a hundred years, art has been a useful tool for a company promoting and advertising its products.
Relating a company’s art program to its business activity can create large benefits in attracting new business, and retaining existing clients. During the past 20 years many companies have acquired art to match its culture, brand and outlook
Example: In a world with many art insurors, AXA stands apart through its strong art programs and art collections AXA in Germany, has an art collection of over 3,000 works by more than 1,200 artists, and has several programmes through AXA ART that link its art collection to the business of insurance.
4. Art can act as a social connector in the workplace and beyond.
Art is a global language that builds bridges between people, and between ideas. Contemporary art in particular goes beyond the pictorial, and truly challenges the mind.
Art in the working environment also helps to enhance customer and community relations by promoting networking opportunities, especially in businesses such as banks that have to serve large client bases.
5. Art helps to further community relations
Companies are often concerned with being good corporate citizens. They view their art collections as a way to support the local fine arts community. Putting money into the community, while improving that community and creating goodwill, is in the best interest of the company.
Unlike museums that may only display a small part of their collections, companies tend to display most of the artworks in their collections, so an artist's work is often seem by more people in a corporate collection than a museum collection.
Many companies use their art programmes to link with the local community, joining local art associations and supporting local artists, particularly when moving into a new location. Additionally, some corporate art programs have expanded beyond their regional communities by creating a collection that can contribute to the national heritage.
In summary even though investing time and money into art can seem to be outside the range of normal business activities, there are numerousbenefits to a company.
If you would like to find out more about how art can benefit your organisation please contact Victoria Anderson of Art Evolution via victoria.anderson@artevolution.co.uk or via 07804 572 091.
