2016 Annual Conference

Many companies enhance their workplace with the collection of art. This artwork may prove to be the perfect educational tool to bring creative learning opportunities to the workforce. This session will share a research study that assessed and evaluated the viability of using workplace art as an effective learning opportunity.

The target audience for this session is educators in the art education field who would like to explore some of the educational needs of a workforce surrounded by art and the non-formal art educational opportunities that could be utilized. Those in workforce development may be able to benefit from the suggestions for innovative art approaches to facilitate employee engagement. Findings from the research may be of interest to anyone that has worked in or visited companies and organizations where art collections may serve as an educational tool.

Corporations and smaller companies have been using art to enhance the workplace for many years. Historically, business organizations claim that one of the reasons for involvement in the arts is to stimulate the workforce and add a creative element to the work environment. But is that how the employees really feel? This graduate qualitative research study explored the motivations behind the acquisition of art collections and how they truly affect those in the workforce. The presenter will share details and interesting outcomes of the research project with attention to the educational values of the artwork and art educational options for the employees. Art in the workplace exhibits a valuable opportunity for a transformative learning experience that may not be fully acknowledged and appreciated. The session will explore the potential learning opportunities that may be integrated into the workplace bringing observational and creative learning transfer to a new learner population.