- by Nalini S Malaviya, Art Consultant
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| Art by Sunil Mishra, Reference Image, pic by author |
It’s a strategic opportunity to build a visual identity that aligns with brand values, fosters team morale, and influences cultural dialogue beyond the workplace.
Curatorial Challenges
It is fortunate that a growing number of corporates are looking at art for their premises, not just for the sake of it, but also because they are passionate about it, and are now looking at diverse art forms, media and styles. Many actively try to overcome financial constraints and budgets, after all, let’s face it, investing in art requires intention and effort.
In India too, we’re seeing a growing interest in this space, with more companies recognizing the long-term value of art as both asset and advocacy.
Curating a corporate art collection is a dynamic, layered process—one that blends aesthetics with strategy, and passion with purpose. Each collection requires thought so that the archive grows along with the organization, and remains relevant over time.
To contribute articles, please get in touch at artsceneinfo@gmail.com
Having curated corporate art collections over the years, it has been a truly enriching process for me.
Corporate art initiatives, whether building an art collection or supporting a local art project offer a unique opportunity to make a difference and create occasions for public engagement. There have been instances, where I have also organized and conducted panel discussions and walkthroughs for employees and visitors as an adjunct activity to the art collecting process, and which I found have deepened audience engagement substantially.
Corporate art initiatives, whether building an art collection or supporting a local art project offer a unique opportunity to make a difference and create occasions for public engagement. There have been instances, where I have also organized and conducted panel discussions and walkthroughs for employees and visitors as an adjunct activity to the art collecting process, and which I found have deepened audience engagement substantially.
Why should corporates invest in art?
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| Rendered Image for Reference |
As I’ve written earlier in The Fine Art of Collecting, collecting art is no longer just about financial investment—it’s about intention and creating an identity.
- A well-curated corporate collection while contributing to the overall decor and environment, reflects the organization’s values and vision.
- Cultural positioning: It signals a company’s commitment to creativity and thought leadership.
- Brand storytelling: Art becomes a medium to communicate innovation, inclusivity, or local culture, or all three in equal measure.
- Internal engagement: Employees feel more motivated and enthused in an environment that values aesthetics and expression.
Supporting Artists and the Ecosystem
Corporate collections can play a pivotal role in nurturing artistic talent, especially local artists.
- Commissioning new work: Encourages experimentation and site-specific installations.
- Showcasing emerging voices: Offers visibility to emerging artists.
- Collaborative programming: Talks, walkthroughs, and workshops can activate the collection beyond static display.
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| Image for reference, pixabay |
Curating for a corporate space comes with unique considerations:
- Balancing aesthetics and accessibility: The art must resonate with diverse audiences while remaining unoffensive. While one may prefer provocative art, in a corporate setting a neutral voice is generally desired.
- Navigating spatial constraints: Lobbies, corridors, and breakout zones each demand different approaches, placements and mediums.
- Ensuring longevity: It is imperative to factor in conservation, lighting, and rotation schedules which impact the life of an artwork.
It is fortunate that a growing number of corporates are looking at art for their premises, not just for the sake of it, but also because they are passionate about it, and are now looking at diverse art forms, media and styles. Many actively try to overcome financial constraints and budgets, after all, let’s face it, investing in art requires intention and effort.
In India too, we’re seeing a growing interest in this space, with more companies recognizing the long-term value of art as both asset and advocacy.
Curating a corporate art collection is a dynamic, layered process—one that blends aesthetics with strategy, and passion with purpose. Each collection requires thought so that the archive grows along with the organization, and remains relevant over time.
Do reach out if you would like to initiate or support an art project, or wish to start an art collection.
Email: artsceneinfo@gmail.com
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To contribute articles, please get in touch at artsceneinfo@gmail.com
