Encouraging Diversity in Art Collecting
In our work, we encounter art collections in many forms; some of our clients have over 100,000 artworks in their global collections, while other firms work with us to purchase their first pieces of art. In the 1980s and 90s, many large companies began collecting art as a long-term investment and to project their prosperity and cultural status. Art historical achievements and name-recognition were key components in selecting artwork; to some degree, they still are.
COLLECTING IN A NEW ECONOMY
When the economy hit a downturn in 2008, many corporations halted (or dramatically cut back) adding to their collections. This means that companies collecting artwork now often have a gap in their collection between what was valued then, and what is valued now. We work with clients to continue the practice of collecting important artists in a way that honors the past and looks toward the future. We encourage balanced representation, including people of color, artists of diverse cultural backgrounds, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and women.
While we work with many collections that were built in the 80s, our clients and the broader psychology of the world have changed dramatically since that era, as has their approach to collecting art. As a firm, we place a priority on sourcing artwork from living artists whenever possible. It’s important to us to nourish our art communities and acquiring art is an easy way to accomplish this. More than just focusing on living artists, we also help clients build collections that include artwork by women, people of color, and artists with different socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.
REMAINS TO BE SEEN
In 1985 a group of women formed the collective, Guerilla Girls, to make artwork protesting the severe underrepresentation of women in museum collections. Thirty-five years later their message to equally represent women, people of color, and the LGBTQ+ community is as vital as ever. Diversity is an incredibly important value to the companies we work with and to the people that help make them successful. Building a team of people with different experiences helps solve problems by looking from diverse perspectives, and the same is true of artwork.
In a corporate art collection, we advocate for acquisitions of artwork that encourage connections between people and ideas. Increasingly, we see that companies want to create an office culture that attracts young talent, and having an art collection that resonates with them is one of many ways they enhance their environment. People from across the globe come to cities in the US for jobs in banking, tech, and more, and seeing artwork that is similarly international and diverse builds a community that feels inclusive and energized. Representation is important, and while the workplace is just one part of a person’s life, seeing artwork made by people from many backgrounds is a way to foster connection and respect for others.
FOCUSING FORWARD
This time last year, artnet published a study of artists represented in United States museums; 85% of those artists are white. The art world has a long road ahead towards inclusion and representation, and while the market for this diversity increases, we are doing our best to contribute when we can- encouraging companies to prioritize diversity in their collection.
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