Office Art That Earns Its Wall Space in Portsmouth, NH
Art and creativity have always been intertwined with the human environment, but in today’s offices it has become an important feature in shaping creativity, culture, and engagement. As work-from-home and hybrid practices have become more common, forward-thinking organizations are recognizing that thoughtfully curated art can transform commercial spaces and enhance the in-office experience both for employees and for clients. This shift is part of a growing conversation in design and workplace strategy: art is not just a luxury, but a purposeful element of spatial experience and a successful vehicle to communicate authenticity.
Research into the impact of arts-enriched workplaces supports this perspective. Findings from the Art of the Workplace report (commissioned by Brookfield Properties and The School of Life) reveal that offices with thoughtful art, culture, and wellness experiences boost employee wellbeing, motivation, and a sense of pride. In their study, 69% percent of respondents agreed that having interesting and visually attractive art pieces in the workplace contributes to their wellbeing and productivity. In environments lacking these elements, workers are more likely to feel uninspired and disengaged. However, just adding art is not enough; what we’ve discovered over the course of our work with various companies across the USA and abroad, authentically local art and artists are often the most well-received and make the greatest impact on those who inhabit the space.
Incorporating office art that earns its wall space can elevate the aesthetic and functional quality of work environments, contributing to employee satisfaction and productivity.
Local context matters in workplace art. These photographs by Eric Gendron bring a sense of place into the office, reinforcing connection without distracting from how the space is used day to day.
This understanding formed the backdrop for a recent curation I put together for a financial services firm in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Instead of selecting generic, off-the-shelf imagery, I sourced three local photographers whose work reflects Portsmouth’s identity and atmosphere. When searching for artists to present to a client, I take detailed notes on not just the design elements/furniture of the office but also the culture of the company, their mission, and the interests of the employees. In this case, Portsmouth is a huge source of pride, and the business was very invested in supporting the community, so sourcing hyperlocal art and artists was key to fulfilling the client’s brief. Each work selected represents familiar scenes of streets, harbor views, and local landmarks (see the image for the Memorial Bridge taken by Jeremy Noyes, below).
“Memorial Bridge” by Jeremey Noyes
The works are installed throughout the main areas of the office, and are immediately recognizable scenes subtly communicate to clients that the business is local minded and genuine in their interest in supporting the community. We’ve seen success with this approach across a variety of workplaces from east to west coast. At ATP, this is the kind of thoughtful curation we champion: art that resonates with place, engages people emotionally, and aligns with the client’s identity. When artists are chosen to reflect the community, the space feels woven into that context, not just visually appealing, but human.
View the project on atp.art here.
