Bohemia inspiration meets business world | Companies showcase their
empoyees' artistic talents
by J.C.
September 2000 INCENTIVE
Let's face it, most artists have spent some time working for a living. Poet William Carlos Williams spent his days operating on patients in Rutherford, N.J. Before painting Starry Night, Vincent Van Gogh dabbled as a teacher and evangelist. Elvis Presley drove a truck to support his classes for his future as an electrician.
Imagine how sad their lives might have been if they suppressed their creativity just to collect a paycheck. One organization has made it its mission to help companies showcase American employees' talent.
During the month of October, the New York-based Business Committee for the Arts kicks off their art@work program. The employee outreach program coincides with National Arts & Humanities month. Participants are encouraged to share their work with their colleagues in formats such as readings, exhibitions and performances.
After the success of last year's pilot, where employees from such organizations as Forbes, Principal Financial Group, Synergy and Meredith participated, this year's official launch will include a bevy of companies that range from Pfizer to Chase Manhattan Bank. "The art@work program addresses several key work issues: diversity, understanding one another, communication and work/life balance," says Judith Jedlicka, president of Business Committee for the Arts. "We do believe this is a true integration and celebration of individual and collective creativity. As companies look for new ways to integrate work and professional lives, this program allows the opportunity for employees to share talents that their colleagues don't get to see. Art has always been a unifying force among people."