Lobby space. Left: Sara Hughes, Hardware, 2003. Collection of The Arts House Trust. Right: Scott Gardiner, No Such Place, 2019. Both works Collection of The Arts House Trust. Both on long term loan.
The Arts House Trust's Art Loans programme offers businesses and organisations the opportunity to bring contemporary artworks from the Trust’s Collection into their spaces. For INC Group, an Auckland-based interior construction company specialising in commercial fit-outs, the addition of art to an office space helps create a more vibrant environment, spark conversations and connect people through art.
We spoke with George Culling, Design and Communications Manager at INC Group, about their experience with the programme and the value of having art in the workplace.
How did INC Group become involved in bringing art into this office space?
INC Group is an interior construction company specialising in commercial fit-outs. One of our most recent clients has an office located in Auckland's Viaduct, in a very cool building with lots of history and character. Bringing art into the space has really helped enhance its vibrant atmosphere.
How did you find out about our Art Loans programme?
We found out about the programme on social media, specifically Instagram. However, I was already familiar with The Arts House Trust as an institution and art gallery. When I saw that the Trust was making contemporary artworks from its collection available to businesses and organisations, I thought it would be a great fit for the space.
Corridor. Left and right: Kiran McKinnon, Untitled, 2000. Collection of The Arts House Trust. Both on long term loan.
How has the art been received by staff and by clients and visitors?
The feedback we've received since the artworks arrived has been very positive. It's been lovely to see everyone develop their own opinions about the art. There's also a really varied selection of works, so there's always something that people are drawn to or interested in. The artworks have created great opportunities to start conversations.
How does supporting a not-for-profit organisation and artists through the programme make you feel?
Supporting a not-for-profit organisation and artists through this programme is really important. It's also great to bring artworks that might otherwise be in storage out of a private collection and share them with people by displaying them in a shared workplace. Having the opportunity to showcase such a diverse selection of artworks is quite unique and adds value to the space.
Lobby space. Left: Scott Gardiner, Axiom (Ultramarine), 2014. Collection of The Arts House Trust. Right: Scott Gardiner, Untitled Stage 3:Z, 2004. Collection of The Arts House Trust. Both on long term loan.
Would you recommend our Art Loans programme to other businesses and organisations? Why?
I'd definitely recommend the Art Loans programme to other businesses. The Arts House Trust Collection is really extensive, so there's something to suit every space. It's a real treat to be able to bring these artworks into more public spaces and share them with a wider audience.
Interested in bringing contemporary art into your workplace?
Find out more about The Arts House Trust's Art Loans programme and how we can help you find the right artworks for your space.