Art and Power: The Impact of Cultural Enrichment on our Workplaces

Since the 1950s, it has been written and understood that creativity is a powerful factor in the human psyche, and throughout the 21st century, numerous studies have honed these explorations producing tangible results that show the positive impact art has on us. In particular, the study of art and wellbeing in the workplace has allowed artists and agencies to focus their attention on the importance of delivering cultural and creative programming for productivity, happiness and feelings of belonging. Post-pandemic, those feelings of belonging and enrichment are uniquely explored in a recent study by Brookfield Properties and The School of Life. In their research, they discovered that 75% of those with enriched offices (a significant art offering within the office) preferred working in their office to their home, compared to just 53% of those in so-called ‘lean office’ environments (corporate branding on display and limited artistic intervention).

There is now it seems a rationale for art and cultural enrichment in the working environment not only as a tool for wellbeing and productivity but as a mechanism for connection to community and people, something to be utilised in encouraging a relationship between public and private spaces. This isn’t a nice to have either – it’s a necessity.

The City of London has lost 14% of its restaurants since 2020, and in August this year, London office space availability hit its highest peak in fifteen years.

Without a consistent uptick in the number of employees engaging and using their workplaces to work - and consequently eat, entertain themselves, explore and critically spend – we will not succeed in credible and sustained occupancy in our cities post-pandemic. It seems art is one way to advance our journey there. Saff Williams, Curatorial Director at Brookfield Properties Europesays: “I have witnessed first-hand the positive impact that a culturally enriched environment can have on both occupiers and the wider community, and the importance of the use of art and culture to create a workspace that inspires and provides people with a sense of pride and increased levels of happiness.”

The business case for investing in art and culture across the workspace landscape is irrefutable. It improves our wellbeing by up to 32%; it’s being prescribed by the NHS to help with mental health and degenerative conditions, and enriched working environments are tempting workers back to our cities that desperately need economic stability.

It must become inherent in our planning of workplaces and spaces to incorporate art and culture. Sourcing from the local community and engaging with public and private audiences allows for a shared sense of belonging and ownership. Ultimately, it helps to generate a shared responsibility fostering successful work and leisure environments.

Tazie Taysom, Commercial Director

Lead image: Queer Frontiers: An Exhibition Celebrating the Work of Ashton Attsz was a month-long exhibition celebrating Pride London 2022. Installed at Brookfield Properties’ Citypoint, it was co-curated by Artiq and Saff Williams of Arts Brookfield.