The Artful Lodger

CREATING CREATIVITY IN THE WORKPLACE

In part one, I covered the enefits of art in the workplace as it relates to clients.  My second article focused on the benefits as they apply to staff.  In this final segment, the focus deals with the benefits to the owner/operator, developer/entrepreneur.

Whether to create an uplifting atmosphere, a community outreach or a metaphoric statement, art does matter in a business.  The design of an office and the wall decor on display, conveys the ideas, values and vision of a company.  Appropriate art can stimulate the service and production levels of vendors and suppliers, as well as clients and employees.  One of the most underestimated benefits to visitors is the use and effect of colour.  The psychology of colour is studied by interior designers the world over.  For instance, a medical facility seeking a calm and soothing atmosphere should select decor and a colour scheme totally opposite to what would suit a sports store or young software company where bold and bright fits with youth, enthusiasm and action.  Corporate image can be as unique as a fish tank or the relaxing informality of well tended plants.

To gain a competitive edge, real estate developers increasingly incorporate art into their residential and commercial projects.  Witness the value of a decked-out show home and the growth of the home staging business.  Art definintely adds to the perceived and real value of real estate.  Developers that include local art in their projects enjoy the added benefit of the reputation gained from investing in the community and that is good for business.

It is important to remember that workplace art collections can start small and need not cost a lot of money, especially if the suggestion to use local resources for local and regional artists is adopted.  I challenge you to act.

                                                                                      Wayne Evans

                                                                                       Madeleine Magazine May/June 2010 issue