Reinvigorate with Art:
the value of a curated collection in the workplace

Originally published in Colorado Real Estate Journal’s quarterly Building Dialogue “Design Always”, December 2021.

For the last 18 months, the nature of the workplace has been undergoing a major re-definition. One thing remains constant: the office is still essential, but the role of the office is morphing into one of elevated human interaction and engagement. Hybrid work is the future, so the reinvigoration of space to draw people back in is a priority. The infusion of charm, authenticity, and energy is paramount to interpersonal engagement. The introduction of original artwork can imbue these qualities naturally into a space. The value of a well-curated office-wide collection is transformational. And Colorado’s diverse artistic community means companies don’t need to go far to find and support the local creative economy. 

Studies by organizations like the Business Committee for the Arts have consistently found art is a great investment in brand, culture, and most critically, a company’s employees. While we may not be able to calculate a true ROI on art in the workplace, it does have tangible benefits:

Art reduces stress, improves health and productivity. Healthcare is no stranger to the effectiveness of art to promote healing. From intimate watercolor paintings in patients’ rooms to trained dance therapists or interactive installations, art is good medicine. Research shows that experiencing art stimulates faster healing for patients, helps reduce stress and improves recruitment and retention rates among providers.1 Why not ask art to do some heavy lifting to support wellness in the workplace?

Art encourages socialization and empathetic communication.  By interjecting dynamic artwork at natural assembly points – an open work lounge, conference room, outdoor patio – you kickstart conversations. The Rev360 Office Building, located on Brighton Boulevard in the RiNo Arts District, commissioned work by local artists strategically placing pieces above workstations, café-style lounges, and even in elevator cabs. Discussing an artist’s motivation or creative impulses inspires similar imaginative conversations, and sharing personal opinions encourages compassionate communication. When employees ruminate together over a painting in the break room, they are actively building bonds and a shared, common experience.   

Art becomes a trusted colleague and close confidant. We typically meet art while briskly passing through a public square or on the occasional museum excursion. Our offices provide us with a unique opportunity: to engage regularly and develop meaningful relationships with works of art. Lobbies and atriums are prime locations for protracted viewing, and it doesn’t take much. A comfortable bench placed intentionally encourages a viewer to sit on their morning coffee break and reflect on the sculpture on the adjacent wall. Treat art, particularly in the workplace, like making a new friend. Spend a few moments each day getting to know each other. Being ‘in conversation’ with a favored work nurtures introspection, confidence, creativity, and productivity.   

Art reflects a company’s values and culture. Every painting, photograph, or sculpture drops visual clues. Whether or not the work was intentionally selected, what hangs in a conference room speaks volumes about a company’s values. A deliberately crafted collection will ensure that the message is the right one. For a client in Fort Collins, whose mission is to deliver an environmentally responsible product to their owner communities, their new collection is centered on local artists working along the full spectrum of Colorado’s landscapes. And to elevate the local theme, several portraits of community and company landmarks were commissioned. The body of work fortifies the company’s brand: we know and serve our neighbors. But art as a form of marketing isn’t just an outward expression. When a company invests in art, curated with staff input, that investment manifests in a sense of shared identity for employees.  

A well-curated collection is inspirational. And for me, that is why art in the workplace truly matters. As we continue to redefine how we work, and most importantly where we do it, our environment matters. A captivating and aspirational work environment, filled with original artwork, instills pride. And we all want to be proud of where we work.