Art in the workplace

Written by Bec

Art for everywhere

I know that you know (at least now you do) that art is a passion of mine. However, while lots of people are very happy to put a little (or a lot) in their homes, they don't always have the same passion about their place of work.

When people think about the workplace, art usually isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. We think desks, screens, coffee machines that sometimes work, and maybe a sad plant in the corner. But what about art? Why not art? Art is often treated like an added extra when there's spare cash, something that is nice to have and not a necessity.

Here’s the thing: art quietly does a lot of heavy lifting in offices, schools, and hospitals. It shapes mood, sparks conversation and tells people who you are before you ever say a word. Let’s talk about why art deserves a real seat at the table—and maybe even the best wall in the building.

Art as a Personality Test (Without the Awkward Questions)

Walk into an office, school, or hospital lobby and look around. If there is art there is it bold and colourful? Calm and minimal? Playful? Serious? You instantly learn something about the place.

Art works like a personality test for an organisation and it's occupants. It signals values without needing a mission statement poster. Before anyone speaks, the art has already spoken volumes. 

Conversely, art allows you to quickly learn about your customer/client/patient, including their mood on any given day. Add a conversational piece to your space and I guarantee all incomers will comment...even if its just in their facial expressions.

Art as an Adder of Impact

Art has an outsized impact for how subtle it can be. A thoughtfully chosen piece can completely change how a space feels.

In offices, art can boost energy, creativity, and even productivity—especially in shared areas where people collaborate. In schools, it can inspire curiosity and help students feel connected to their environment. In hospitals, art has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, helping patients and staff alike breathe a little easier.

The right art doesn’t just decorate a space—it elevates it and with that the people in it.

Art to Tell Your Story (Without a PowerPoint)

Every organisation has a story. Where you came from. Your mission. What matters to you. Art is one of the most human ways to tell that story. It can be used to share history, celebrate diversity, honour vision...the list is long.

Unlike signage and logos, art invites people in and lets them interpret, connect and remember, with limited explaining required. 

Art as an Ice Breaker (The Best Kind of Small Talk)

Let’s be honest—small talk can be painful. Art helps.

A striking piece in an entryway or waiting room gives people something to talk about that isn’t the weather. In offices, it sparks conversation between teams and creates a connection with clients. In schools, it encourages discussion and interpretation as well as helping the "new kid" feel at little more at ease. In hospitals, it offers patients and visitors a welcome distraction, a shared moment of curiosity or the opportunity for peaceful contemplation.

Art creates connection, and connection is at the heart of any successful workplace.

Bonus: Bec's top three picks for your workplace

There are so many pieces that I adore in this collection (all of them in fact) but if I can only have three at work it would be these:

The Icebreaker: Nicole Nelius - Still Life with Cauliflower