What is art@work®?
art@work is a national program of the Business Committee for the Arts, Inc. (BCA) that enables businesses of all sizes to discover, recognize and celebrate the hidden creative talents of their employees while addressing a variety of business issues.

art@work enables companies to organize initiatives that encourage employees to bring the visual, literary and performing art they create when not working into the workplace where it can be shared with colleagues, as well as customers and clients, in addition to enhancing the work environment. art@work also helps bring employees together from different areas of the company, fosters communication and builds team spirit.

What is art?
Art is defined in broad terms:

• Visual Arts – Painting, sculpture, photography, needlework, woodworking, jewelry making, etc.
• Literary Arts – Poetry, fiction, drama, etc.
• Performing Arts – Dance, music, theater, etc.

What Does art@work Do for Business?
art@work may be designed to achieve any number of business objectives:

• Attract and retain employees by enhancing morale and building team spirit.
• Increase communication and understanding among a diverse workforce.
• Increase productivity and performance by encouraging employees to take creative approaches to the challenges of day-to-day business operations.
• Show employees what they do in and out of the workplace is valued.
• Encourage employees from various departments to network in and out of the workplace.
• Demonstrate the value of integrating work and personal lives.
• Relieve stress and provide a fun way for employees to interact.
• Generate national and local media coverage.

How is art@work Implemented?
A business may designate one or more days each year for art@work activities. During this time, a business may organize a number of activities to recognize the creative talents of its employees and their interests in the arts. These activities may include:

• Organizing displays or exhibitions of art created by employees in individual offices, conference rooms, dining areas, lobbies and on the company's Intranet and/or Web site.
• Providing opportunities in the workplace for employees to present poetry, book and play readings, vocal and instrumental music, and dance and theatrical performances.
• Publishing a literary anthology of employee writing.
• Organizing receptions and events for employees, families and friends to showcase art@work activities.

Additionally, a business may showcase the arts organizations it supports through its art@work activities. These activities may include:

• Arranging artist talks, performances and special programs in the workplace to increase awareness and appreciation of these organizations.
• Sponsoring special performances and programs for employees and their families and friends, such as behind-the-scenes tours of museums and performance facilities, pre- and post-performance discussions with artists, and free or reduced admission to arts facilities, performances and events. See Who's Doing It for more ideas about ways to implement art@work.

Is There a Fee to Participate in art@work?
art@work is offered free to BCA and BCA Affiliate member companies. There is a nominal fee for non-members to participate in art@work. For this, a company receives:

• The official "art@work Program Guide" which provides step-by-step details about how to participate in art@work including how to organize an employee committee to run the program; establish objectives and develop a schedule, encourage employee participation; organize performances, exhibitions and opening events; and develop ways to publicize and promote the program.
• Individualized consulting services from BCA’s professional staff to help develop and implement an art@work program in your workplace that meets your company’s needs and business objectives.
• BCA’s professional public relations services to help secure media placements about your company’s art@work program.
• Use of the trademarked art@work logo, as well as all printed and promotional materials.

	One-Time Registration Fee
Small Company (50 employees or less)	$250
Midsize Company (51-500 employees)	$500
Large Company (more than 500 employees)	$1,000

How Can a Company Participate in art@work?
For information and details about participating in art@work, contact Emily Peck, Director of Workplace Programs, epeck@bcainc.org or call 718.482.9900, ext. 15..