Displaying art in companies and shops is gradually becoming more common. I also take commissions for paintings from businesses, so this is a movement I follow with interest.
Mécénat ― companies supporting culture
In Japan, corporate support for culture and the arts is called mécénat, from the French word. It covers many fields: music, theatre, traditional performing arts, architecture, film, plus the protection of cultural heritage. Today many companies continue this kind of quiet support as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR).
Mécénat is no longer simply giving because a company can afford to. It has become a way of showing what values a company holds dear.
The effects of placing art in the office
Closer to everyday work is bringing art into offices and shops. The effects that have been pointed out include the following.
The first is that the impression of the space changes. A single piece with color and form is enough to soften the atmosphere of a room. The second is that conversations begin. When there is a work on the wall, it becomes a starting point for talking. The third is a sense of belonging among employees. Displaying a work that expresses how the company thinks is said to lead to pride and a feeling of unity.
There is a practical advantage as well: no large-scale construction is needed, so a space can be renewed without changing its layout. One known example is JLL's Tokyo head office, which displays several works in its visitor area.
Displaying art makes a philosophy visible
When I paint for a business, the question I always ask is, what does this company hold dear? I then turn the answer into color and form.
Once the finished painting hangs in the office, the company's philosophy is present in the air of the place, without any need to explain it in words. It reaches visitors, plus the people who work there, day after day.
Mermaid nao's BUSINESS ART turns a company's philosophy and its history into one piece of art. It is not decoration. It is a way of placing what the company values where it can be seen.
[References]
Kaonavi HR Glossary (Japanese): What is mécénat? Examples of corporate mécénat, its meaning, social responsibility, CSR effects
JLL (Japanese): What are the effects of office art? Why it contributes to employee engagement
ELEMINIST (Japanese): What is mécénat, corporate support for culture plus the arts?
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