The effects of visual art on human beings have been intensely studied over the past decade by psychology and neuroaesthetics. Available research converges to a conclusion: exposure to art has a beneficial impact on well-being, attitude, and human behavior.

We now know that art positively influences relationships among people, leadership, organizational culture, personal development, communication, collaboration, emotions, and positive energy, creativity, and innovation, by opening up to new experiences and perspectives. These are just a few of the (still underestimated) virtues of art.

If you're wondering about the impact you could achieve by renting or purchasing artworks, below we have detailed a "package" of 10 benefits:

1. Creativity and Innovation. Exposure to artworks elicits positive reactions among both employees and managers in companies (Berthoin Antal & Strauß, 2013). Torsten Eriksson, a professor at the University of Bergen, noted in a 2009 study that employees reach higher levels of creativity in the presence of art, gain new perspectives on their work, and can break the barriers of conventional patterns.

2. Productivity. In offices rich in artworks, efficiency increases by 15% compared to the baseline level of an unadorned space and by 30% when employees are allowed to participate in arranging the exhibition ("The Impact Of Art In The Workplace," University of Exeter).

3. Stronger Internal Culture. As the selection of artworks is the visual expression of the company's culture, it can influence employee retention and maintaining relationships with clients who share the same values and vision.

4. Well-being. Viewing an exhibition, in any space, reduces cortisol levels, a stress-associated hormone (Journal of Health Psychology, 2022), and also increases serotonin levels, the "happiness hormone," which could explain the human need for art.

5. Engagement and Retention. A positive work environment, where work is more enjoyable, attracts employees to return to the office, which is important in a period where remote or hybrid work is not the best option for some companies.

6. Positive Team Relationships. Art promotes communication, collaboration, and a sense of cohesion and belonging, making it suitable for open-space areas to place art installations, sculptures, or large-scale visual art.

7. Focus. Just a few short breaks for immersion in art are enough to allow the brain to disconnect, resulting in increased concentration and productivity throughout the workday.

8. Communication. Art helps visually communicate the brand's messages, internally and externally. For example, organizations that exhibit unusual artworks communicate that [team members] do things in a less conventional way.

9. Authentic Social Responsibility. By realizing that artists are, in fact, creative entrepreneurs in an underfunded sector, the company's investment in their art produces an evident positive impact. Artists and the creative economy are part of an ecosystem that can become vibrant, an ecosystem in which the private sector can play a catalyzing role.

10. Employer Brand Authenticity. The package of art benefits sustainably strengthens the employer brand. Art can build the employer brand's personality in an authentic, original manner.

 

How can you bring art to the office?

Contemporary art is a blend of reactions and currents that invent or reuse the heritage of art from all times, and the local art scene, although very interesting, is also very dense.

The decision to bring art into the company space is not exactly simple, and the role of a specialized consultant is essential. Experts in contemporary art have direct access to emerging and established creators, propose a portfolio and a plan of suitable artistic actions, and mediate the relationship with artists.

We can make this complex process a relaxed, flexible, and creative experience. Schedule an online meeting with a consultant from Scemtovici & Benowitz Gallery here for 60 minutes of free consultation.