art for business -- a new perspective

So what would happen if, across the country, a class approaching their MBA’s decide all together, on every campus, to use their skills to benefit all mankind, and disappoint their fathers? Humans stopped evolving physically a couple of hundred millennia back, but human mentality changes all the time, adapts to new conditions and adjusts for the best outcomes, although not always before it’s too late. Those renegade business types better come along quick. Rampant commercialism promises more and more stuff, but it degrades and compromises the consumer, a classic case of blind expediency leading nowhere good, time to evolve.

The business people hold the reins on our dollar-driven way of life, great wealth rides in the coach, and scholars and professionals climb aboard to stay dry. It’s the business leaders who have the means to make change, and if they change everything changes. They’ve never really engaged with art, but there are nuts and bolts reasons to reconsider this valuable asset. We’re not talking ‘corporate collections,’ curated by a vice-president’s artsy niece, and destined to be forgotten in a warehouse, that’s been done. It could turn out purchasing and displaying original art in offices and production areas is less expensive and more efficient than other office upgrades, and provides a more effective influence on job performance and job satisfaction than motivational posters and attendance incentives.

Within an industry, original art stands out. Vendor representatives making endless rounds of similar companies notice and remember offices with art, and for businesses with a public interface, interesting art makes a positive impression on customers. Original art helps to convey both an established corporate identity and a progressive mentality, all at once. Art bought and displayed for the benefit of employees is a gesture of respect far less costly, and perhaps more appreciated, than lots of small bonuses, and an accomplished painting or two provides a daily example of commitment and attainment that will pay back for years to come in quality control. Thoughtfully displayed art in the conference room impresses prospective associates and intimidates the competition. In offices, reception, and even areas available to production staff, original art catalyzes innovation and forges group identity. There’s even an account for office expenses, so no one’s personal pocket gets dinged for good art on the wall. 

For all those practical bottom-line reasons, do you think having art around might influence the way the typical businessperson thinks? Could be, art is insidious. For one thing, knowing about art, owning and living with art, could be considered a reward and compensation for a lifetime of dedication, and success, a reason for all the hard work. Purchases of art for the office could be the beginning of that. It does rub off, simple exposure to art stimulates curiosity, and the hook is set. Would art acquired for strategic corporate considerations begin to mellow out cut-throat industrial competition, engender more respect and fairness top to bottom, and make the world a greener, nicer place to live, probably not, but it could turn out to be the most visible sign that it’s happening.