How to start an art loan program at work

Everything you do, say, and interact with is part of a continuum. This ethos motivates me to connect disparate things together in all of my endeavors, and in the process, I hope to converge people’s interests and experiences in a meaningful way. Big and small day-to-day experiences contribute to our well-being. I think it’s important to continuously challenge ourselves, to foster creative thinking, and introduce more layers of conversation around our practice. In this spirit, a whim sparked by moving into our new office evolved into a new proposition: How can I bring art into the workplace?

My goals for an art program were:

• to live with artwork over time;
• to expand the context around the work being displayed;
• to meet specific needs for the participating artists;
• to mash up the separate worlds I live in;
• to expand Neoteric Design’s cultural program.

I began by drawing from friends and colleagues in the Chicago art community, and my years of experience facilitating art practices and operating galleries. Bringing the artwork into the space was a familiar process I missed. I met with individual artists in their studios, discussed their current projects and together, we selected appropriate works. The curatorial process crystallized as visual grafts and themes that resonated between pieces.

June - October, 2013 Artists:

Lisa Caccioppoli
Adam Grossi
Carrie Gundersdorf
Heather Mekkelson
Michael Milano

“Untitled” by Lisa Caccioppoli, 2007

“Vanity of Time” by Heather Mekkelson, 2013

Requirements for getting an art loan program off of the ground:

• Insurance: companies should evaluate the limits that their liability insurance will cover. We provide the option for artists to insure their works, if they choose.
• Art loan agreement form:  This is a signed contract. It should detail the pieces borrowed, the insurance value of each item, and the terms of the loan. Our loan period is between 3 to 6 months.
• Delivery: We recommend that artists deliver and pick up the works.

“Untitled (same sets) #2” by Michael Milano, 2013

“Still Time” by Adam Grossi, 2012

Since the reveal, I’ve had the chance to share a few guided conversations around the artwork with visitors. I’ve enjoyed seeing people engage with the work when introduced to our space. Individuals will always be drawn to or repelled by different pieces. A seemingly inconsequential comment is an observation, and an opportunity for a conversation to emerge. I particularly appreciate how physical space is activated by each of the pieces. In a way, a corner, table-top, or brick wall now holds some personality and a story that’s ready to be slowly unpacked.

Download the current art checklist (PDF).