With more senior leaders looking at ways to encourage employees back into the office, the workspace is under more pressure than ever to compete with people’s living rooms.
The look and feel of an office must be inviting, engaging, and inclusive; a place where all employees feel a sense of belonging, whatever their identity, gender, race, religion or disability. The office has evolved from being never ending rows of desks to being the embodiment of the business’s brand and culture.
Art has the power to transform not only a space but also people’s lives, both those of the artist and the viewer. And when those artists are from marginalised backgrounds, sharing their own stories and unique views of the world, then its power to create lasting impact and change is immeasurable.
We live and work in a society with so many divides – yet art can break down some of these barriers, and bring people together in a positive and collaborative way. In light of the rolling back of DEI initiatives across the pond, many people both in the US and here in the UK are feeling anxious about what the future looks like, and whether their workplace will be a supportive place to be in years to come.
Mental health and inclusivity are no longer optional perks in the modern workplace, but the essential building blocks for a thriving work environment. And part can play a big part in this – research by the British Council of Offices found that 61 per cent of employees believe that art in the office improves their happiness and creates a more positive environment. While the University of Westminster found that spending as little as 35 minutes in front of art reduces stress by up to 32 per cent.
In the UK, we have a breathtaking array of creative talent that is under the radar – artists and designers, particularly those who come from marginalised backgrounds, who find it challenging to reach wider audiences due to closed doors and limited opportunities. This presents an exciting opportunity for businesses and brands to champion these artists; helping them grow and expand their networks and artistic practices, all while giving them the chance to see their work showcased in the type of real estate that’s often out of reach to them.
At Creative Debuts we have a plethora of artists who can transform business and brand spaces through original storytelling, fresh perspectives, bold ideas and social commentary. Whether it’s a bold statement mural in reception to captivate colleagues and clients, a curated collection that sparks conversations, or a bespoke artwork that tells a company’s unique story, their art has the power to make workspaces more human, creative, and inclusive.
Brands and businesses such as Spotify, eBay and Wise have all seen the benefits of supporting and showcasing our roster of emerging, marginalised artists, and we are passionate about helping more companies, regardless of size, to do the same.
Montague Evans, a London-based Chartered Surveyor invested in our art subscription offering, bringing a six-monthly changing exhibit of art collections from local artists, Black creators and the LGBTQ+ community into their office. They have really seen the benefits of celebrating diversity within their space, and its role in triggering interesting conversations that help break down DEI barriers in their organisation:
“Investing in emerging artists is an investment in our culture itself. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to creating inclusive and inspiring spaces, celebrating diversity, and sparking meaningful conversations within our community, enriching our environments with the power of diverse artistic expression.”
Tate & Lyle, another organisation that opted for our subscription model, ended up falling in love with their artworks, so decided to purchase them all!
Our passion is to ensure that marginalised voices and stories are shared artistically in as many places as possible. When companies choose to support this, they too help break down barriers, ignite new conversations, and spark ideas and innovation within their own organisations. This not only helps them stand out from the crowd, but also makes them part of a network of forward-thinking companies who really understand the value of art in shaping positive, desirable workplaces.
By Calum Hall, Founder, Creative Debuts