Canvas in the Corporate World: Why Businesses Are Investing in Fine Art for Their Spaces

Understanding the Business Value of Art in Corporate Environments

Walk into most offices and you’ll probably see the usual suspects: beige walls, motivational posters, and maybe a struggling fern in the corner. But something’s changing in the corporate world, and it’s colorful, compelling, and backed by solid data. Businesses are waking up to the fact that fine art isn’t just decoration—it’s an investment in their culture, their people, and their bottom line. The trend of corporate art investment is rapidly growing, driven not just by aesthetics but by an evolving focus on workplace culture and employee inspiration.

According to various industry insights, including reports by Deloitte, a significant majority of Fortune 500 companies now maintain corporate art collections, reflecting consistent growth in recent years. Companies are increasingly commissioning original artworks and transforming their office spaces into dynamic galleries that foster creativity and innovation. For many organizations, the question has shifted from whether to invest in art to what kind of art best supports their teams and corporate values. This shift highlights art’s role as a strategic asset for business identity and employee engagement.

This shift reflects a broader understanding that our physical environments shape how we think, feel, and work. And in a competitive talent market where people want more than just a paycheck, a thoughtfully curated art in the workplace strategy has become a serious differentiator.

Why Are Businesses Investing in Fine Art for Their Offices?

The reasons go deeper than aesthetics, though those certainly matter.

How Fine Art Strengthens Brand Identity and Company Culture

Art communicates culture without saying a word. When clients or prospective employees walk into an office with intentional, beautiful artwork, they immediately get a sense of who you are as a company. Are you innovative? Mature? Creative? Cutting-edge? The art on your walls tells that story faster than any mission statement ever could.

Companies are recognizing that corporate art investment is about brand building. A tech company might commission bold, contemporary pieces. A law firm might opt for timeless, sophisticated works. A design agency could showcase rotating installations from emerging artists. Each choice reflects and reinforces the company’s identity.

Looking at how companies blend art with business identity, major corporations like UBS and Deutsche Bank have built their reputations partly through strategic art collecting that signals sophistication, innovation, and cultural commitment.

Deutsche Bank

• Shaping identity: Since 1978, Deutsche Bank has strategically integrated contemporary art into its work environment to shape its corporate identity. The collection of more than 50,000 works focuses on contemporary pieces, reflecting the company’s core values of modernity, creativity, and diversity. The art program is also used to cultivate an atmosphere of innovative thinking and to signal that the institution is forward-thinking.
• External engagement: The art collection is used as a “soft tool” for marketing and client engagement, with the bank hosting private viewings and tours for high-net-worth clients. Its PalaisPopulaire cultural center in Berlin makes the collection accessible to the public, further positioning the bank as a culturally committed organization.
• Internal culture: The collection, displayed in offices worldwide, is used to spark conversations and inspire employees, creating a visually and intellectually stimulating workplace.
• Supporting artists: The bank’s policy of purchasing works by living artists supports emerging talent, which also enhances its corporate social responsibility profile.
  

UBS

• Prestige and reputation: The UBS Art Collection is considered one of the most important corporate collections of contemporary art in the world. Reportedly, 40,000+ works are displayed in UBS offices and its public gallery in New York, which helps position the bank as a sophisticated and culturally aware institution.
• Inspiring innovation: According to the bank, the art is intended to inspire, spark conversations, and drive innovation. This suggests the bank uses its collection not just for decoration but also to cultivate a forward-thinking culture.
• Client and community engagement: UBS uses its art to engage with clients, employees, and the public. The bank also lends works to major art museums and institutions for public exhibition, further cementing its reputation within the arts community. It also provides an art advisory service to help clients build and manage their own collections.
• Brand partnerships: For decades, UBS has been the lead partner of the Art Basel international art fair, a prominent sponsorship that aligns its brand with the global art market.

Attracting Top Talent: Art as a Recruitment and Retention Tool

In a job market where millennials and Gen Z professionals prioritize workplace culture, amenities matter. Research from Harvard’s Project Zero study on workplace art found that employees believe art in their workplace promotes social interactions, elicits emotional responses, facilitates personal connection-making, generally enhances the workplace environment and fosters learning.

When you’re competing for talent, offering an inspiring, thoughtfully designed space gives you an edge. Employees want to work somewhere that feels alive and intentional—not somewhere that feels like a corporate dystopia. Companies that invest in art see improved recruitment outcomes and stronger retention rates.

Supporting Local Artists and Communities Through Corporate Commissioning

Many companies are using commission fine art opportunities as a way to support local creative communities. It’s good business and good citizenship rolled into one. By working with independent artists and platforms that connect businesses with creators, companies can build unique collections while supporting the creative economy.

Making a Smart Financial Investment in Appreciating Assets

While it might seem counterintuitive, art can be a smart investment. Fine art has historically appreciated over time, making it a tangible asset for companies. Beyond the financial side, art investment supports cultural initiatives and contributes to a company’s social responsibility profile—something that matters to investors, employees, and customers alike.

How Does Art Impact Employee Productivity and Well-Being?

This is where the rubber meets the road. It’s great to say art makes offices nicer, but do people actually work better? The research is pretty compelling.

The Science Behind Art and Workplace Productivity

A University of Exeter study revealed that employees working in an “enriched” environment—featuring artwork and plants—were up to 32% more productive and reported 45% higher wellbeing and 60% greater engagement compared to their counterparts in stark, “lean” workspaces stripped of personal and decorative touches. These findings highlight how thoughtfully designed, art-rich offices not only enhance productivity but also boost employee wellbeing and connection to their work environment. Such significant improvements demonstrate the powerful impact of creative, inviting workplaces on what teams can accomplish

Another study found that using art as a form of enrichment has the capacity to boost productivity by up to 17 percent. Even at the lower end, that’s meaningful. When you combine these findings, the case for corporate art investment becomes undeniable.

Art as a Mental Health and Stress Reduction Tool

Art isn’t just motivational poster stuff. There’s legitimate research showing that engaging with visual art reduces stress and improves mental health outcomes. The mental health benefits of art extend beyond looking at it too—they’re enhanced when employees feel a sense of ownership and connection to the pieces around them.

When people have visual beauty to engage with throughout their day, they experience fewer stress spikes, better focus, and more creative thinking. It’s like having a built-in wellness program on your walls. This is especially important in high-pressure corporate environments where burnout is a real concern.

Building Collaboration and Team Connection Around Shared Visual Experiences

A stimulating visual environment, in which art plays a major role, is shown to increase employee well-being and output, especially when employees have a say about it. According to Harvard’s research on workplace art, art becomes a conversation starter and creates opportunities for spontaneous interactions between colleagues who might otherwise stay siloed in their roles.

Some companies have found that their best collaborations happen around artworks that spark discussion. That’s not coincidental—it’s the natural human response to beauty and meaning. When employees participate in art selection, engagement increases even further.

Real-World Examples of Corporate Art Investment Success

Learning from what companies are already doing can spark ideas for your own strategy. Here are some impressive examples:

JPMorgan Chase’s Strategic “Art at Work” Collection

JPMorgan Chase has built one of the world’s most impressive corporate art collections housed in their Manhattan offices. Their portfolio includes work from contemporary and classical artists like Roy Lichtenstein, Cy Twombly, Josef Albers, and Joan Mitchell. As explored in detail, JPMorgan Chase’s collection reflects the company’s values and priorities, and serves as a powerful statement about the organization’s commitment to creativity and cultural enrichment.

Microsoft’s 5,000+ Piece Employee-Driven Art Collection

Microsoft takes a collaborative approach that’s worth emulating. With over 5,000 works of art spanning paintings, sculptures, digital installations, and mixed media, their collection started in 1987 when employees themselves began acquiring art on behalf of the company. The collection includes contemporary pieces by Takashi Murakami and Cindy Sherman, and employees are actively involved in voting on potential new acquisitions and installations. This approach transforms art from a top-down decision into a shared workplace experience that reflects team values.

Deloitte’s 15,000-Piece Global Art Collection Reflecting Organizational Values

Deloitte, one of the world’s largest professional services firms has grown it to include over 15,000 pieces spanning paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs, and installations. What makes their approach particularly meaningful is their commitment to featuring indigenous artists like Emily Kame Kngwarreye and Gordon Bennett, as well as contemporary works exploring social and political issues. 

Deloitte’s Art Collection: Origins and Growth

Deloitte’s art collection has grown to encompass many pieces, including paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs, and installations. This extensive collection is displayed across various Deloitte offices in Australia, such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide, and is considered one of the largest corporate art collections in the country.

Focus on Indigenous and Contemporary Art

A significant aspect of Deloitte’s collection is its emphasis on Indigenous Australian artists. Notable artists featured include Emily Kame Kngwarreye and Gordon Bennett. Kngwarreye, an Anmatyerre woman, began painting in her late 70s and produced over 3,000 works in her lifetime. Her piece Earth’s Creation (1994) is one of her most renowned works. Bennett, an Aboriginal Australian artist, is known for his works that challenge racial stereotypes and provoke critical discussions on identity and history.

In addition to Indigenous art, Deloitte’s collection also includes contemporary works that explore social and political issues. For instance, Lorraine Connelly-Northey’s sculpture Wire Man, made from recycled wire, addresses themes of identity and sustainability.

Cultural and Corporate Significance

Deloitte’s commitment to showcasing Indigenous and contemporary art reflects a broader cultural and corporate strategy. The collection serves not only as an aesthetic enhancement but also as a means to reflect the company’s values and foster an inclusive work environment. As Deloitte’s global managing director, David Cruickshank, has stated, “Art can provide a powerful way of bringing our values to life, inspiring our people, and creating a great work environment.”

Pfizer and BMW: Global Leaders Using Art to Define Innovation

Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer maintains a corporate art collection of over 1,500 works displayed across its global offices, reflecting the company’s commitment to creativity and innovation beyond its core pharmaceutical business. One notable example was Frank Stella’s monumental “Harran II” (1967), a colorful abstract painting that once dominated the lobby of Pfizer’s New York headquarters. While “Harran II” is now part of the Guggenheim Museum’s permanent collection, its presence at Pfizer symbolized the company’s dedication to fostering an inspiring workplace culture. Read more about Pfizer’s art collection here.

BMW takes a similarly bold approach with their Art Car project, which goes beyond traditional office installations. The company commissions world-renowned artists to design racing cars, including the iconic 1979 BMW M1 designed by Andy Warhol. This strategy combines corporate identity, employee pride, and artistic innovation. BMW demonstrates how art can be woven into a company’s DNA in unexpected ways, with over 19,000 works in their collection including photographs, paintings, sculptures, and video installations.

Google and Tech Giants Leading the Corporate Art Investment Revolution

Tech companies like Google and Microsoft are at the forefront of corporate art investment, recognizing that creative, visually stimulating environments directly support innovation. These companies commission works specifically for their offices and encourage employee participation in art selection. This sends a clear message: creativity isn’t just something we produce; it’s something we live.

• Google: The company has a history of integrating art and creative design into its workspaces, including its headquarters in Mountain View, California. Google’s offices are known for their vibrant and eclectic art collections, which include sculptures, installations, and murals. Their former “20% time” policy, which allowed employees to work on passion projects, was even the origin of the Google Arts & Culture platform. 
• Microsoft: In 1987, at the suggestion of employees, Microsoft began its art collection to liven up its new campus. Today, the Microsoft Art Collection consists of over 5,000 works of art and is displayed in its offices worldwide. The company also runs an “Artist in Residence” program to bring artists, scientists, and engineers together to collaborate on creative projects.

Exploring major corporate contemporary art collections reveals that companies across industries—from pharma to tech to automotive—are finding ways to build collections that reflect their values, inspire their teams, and create workplaces people actually want to be in.

Making Art Investment Work in Practice: Proven Corporate Strategies

Not every company needs a museum-quality collection hanging in every hallway. Smart corporate art investment looks different depending on your industry, budget, and culture.

Some approaches that work well:

• The Rotating Gallery Model: Commission different pieces over time or rotate works from emerging artists. This keeps the space fresh and supports more artists. It also aligns with research showing that changing artwork enhances the workplace environment.
• The Signature Collection: Invest in a cohesive set of pieces that become synonymous with your brand and workplace identity.
• The Collaborative Approach: Involve employees in selecting or commissioning pieces. This builds engagement and ensures the art resonates with the people who work there every day. Harvard research confirms that art’s impact is especially pronounced when employees have a say about it.
• The Local Focus: Partner with independent artists in your community. You’ll build authentic connections, support the local creative economy, and get unique work that can’t be bought anywhere else.
• The Statement Piece Strategy: Commission one or two bold, high-impact works that define your main office or lobby, then use smaller pieces throughout other areas.

The key is intentionality. Art that’s randomly selected or poorly placed becomes background noise. But art that’s thoughtfully chosen to reflect your company’s values and aesthetic? That becomes part of your identity.

How Can Businesses Commission Fine Art Through Book An Artist?

If you’re convinced that art belongs in your office but aren’t sure where to start, platforms like Book An Artist make it accessible and straightforward. 

Finding the Right Artist for Your Corporate Vision

Book An Artist connects businesses with experienced, vetted artists who specialize in corporate commissions. Whether you need a large-scale canvas painting or a bold statement piece, you can browse portfolios, see previous work, and find an artist whose style aligns with your company’s vision. You’re not starting from scratch—you’re tapping into a curated network of professionals.

Exploring Art Ideas and Commissioning Best Practices

Not sure what kind of art would work best in your space? Book An Artist offers resources to guide your thinking. Their guide on 10 canvas painting ideas to commission from local artists can spark inspiration, whether you’re looking for abstract pieces, landscapes, portraits, or something more experimental. And if you’re new to commissioning, their beginner’s guide to commissioning artwork walks you through the entire process, from concept to installation.

Accessing Specialized Artists for Unique Corporate Installations

Looking for something beyond traditional canvas paintings? Book An Artist connects you with experienced canvas painters as well as graffiti artists and other specialists who can create striking murals or contemporary pieces that make bold statements in your space.

The platform handles the logistics, vetting, and project management, so you can focus on the creative vision rather than the administrative headache.

Commissioning Art That Supports Employee Well-Being

When choosing pieces for your workspace, remember that art serves a wellness function too. Consider commissioning work that aligns with your company’s values and creates an emotionally supportive environment. Book An Artist can help connect you with artists who understand the intersection of fine art and the mental health benefits of art, ensuring your investment in décor is also an investment in your team’s wellbeing.

The Measurable Impact on Company Culture and Business Outcomes

Beyond the feel-good factor, companies that invest in art in the workplace report tangible changes:

• Reduced turnover: Employees feel more valued and inspired in beautiful spaces, leading to stronger retention
• Improved recruitment: Job candidates are more likely to accept offers from companies with thoughtful, inspiring environments
• Enhanced creativity: Visual stimulation sparks new ideas and problem-solving approaches—backed by the 32% productivity boost research
• Stronger employer brand: Your office becomes a reflection of your company’s values and sophistication
• Better client impressions: When visitors see a carefully curated art collection, they form more positive impressions of your organization
• Increased collaboration: The social interaction benefits of workplace art create spontaneous team connections

Why This Trend Matters: The Future of Corporate Workspaces

The rise of corporate art investment isn’t just about making offices prettier. It’s about recognizing that how we design our physical spaces directly impacts how we think, create, collaborate, and feel.

In an era where remote and hybrid work are common, the office has become something you have to choose to be in. Companies that invest in beautiful, inspiring spaces are saying something important to their employees: “Your well-being and your creativity matter. We’re willing to invest in an environment that supports both.”

That message resonates with modern employees and signals organizational values that go beyond profit.

Ready to bring creativity and culture into your workplace? Explore our talented canvas painters and graffiti artists today and start building your corporate art collection.

Key Takeaways

• Corporate Art Investment strengthens brand identity, attracts talent, and boosts productivity.
• Fine art enhances employee well-being, creativity, and workplace engagement.
• Supporting local artists through commissioned works amplifies community impact.
• Businesses like UBS, BMW, Microsoft, and Deloitte prove that art isn’t an expense—it’s a strategic investment.
• Platforms like Book An Artist make commissioning fine art accessible for all company sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are businesses investing in fine art for their offices?
Companies invest in fine art for several strategic reasons: creating distinctive brand identities, attracting and retaining talent, supporting local artists, and making a sound financial investment. Art also demonstrates a commitment to employee wellness and creates inspiring environments that boost productivity. In competitive job markets, a thoughtfully designed office with quality artwork has become a significant recruitment and retention tool. Research shows that employees value diverse, high-quality art collections connected to organizational mission.

How does art impact employee productivity and well-being?
Research shows measurable impacts: workers in enriched environments decorated with art and plants are up to 32% more productive and experience 45% more wellbeing and 60% more engagement. Art reduces stress, provides mental health benefits, fosters collaboration, and creates opportunities for social interaction. Additionally, when employees have input on art selection, engagement and ownership increase further. Harvard research confirms that art promotes social interactions, elicits emotional responses, facilitates personal connection-making, and enhances the overall workplace environment.

How can businesses commission fine art through Book An Artist?
Book An Artist connects businesses with vetted, professional artists specializing in corporate commissions. You can browse portfolios to find artists whose style matches your vision, access resources like guides on canvas painting ideas and commissioning basics, and work with specialists including canvas painters and graffiti artists. The platform handles vetting and project management, making the commissioning process straightforward and stress-free.

What types of art work best in corporate environments?
The best choices depend on your company culture and aesthetic. Abstract pieces work well for creative industries, while established companies might prefer timeless or classical work. Consider bold statement pieces for lobbies, rotating galleries to feature emerging artists, or collaborative selections involving employee input. Research shows that diverse, rotating collections are particularly valued by workplace viewers. The key is intentional selection that reflects your brand values and resonates with your team.

How much does it cost to commission corporate art?
Commissioning costs vary widely based on artist experience, piece size, complexity, and materials. For example, a mid-size commissioned canvas might range from ₹50,000–₹2,00,000 depending on size and artist experience. Working through platforms like Book An Artist gives you access to artists at various experience levels, making it possible to find quality work at multiple price points. Use the pricing calculator to get a custom estimate based on your project specifications. Many companies find that the cost of original commissioned work is surprisingly reasonable compared to mass-produced alternatives, especially when considering the long-term value and productivity benefits.

Should we involve employees in art selection?
Absolutely. Studies show that art’s positive impact is especially pronounced when employees have a say about it. Employee involvement increases engagement, ensures the art resonates with the people who work there daily, and can spark meaningful conversations about company culture and values. Consider surveying your team about preferences or involving them in selection committees. Research confirms that workplace viewers value art connected to organizational mission and that rotating exhibitions create especially positive workplace impacts.