Promote diversity and social awareness through art programmes
Although art can’t directly solve social and global problems, it requires an emotive interaction from the viewer, meaning that engagement happens at a deeper level, opening oneself up to new perspectives through the narratives within artworks. Art thus can act as a vehicle to evoke empathy, to carve out a greater understanding of ourselves, others, and the bigger picture.
Art Acumen curate changeover exhibition programmes showcasing work by socially engaged artists, featuring diverse art with compelling narrative stories on contemporary issues, to provoke awareness, discussion and convey an underlying philosophy of collective responsibility.
To ensure the objective of diversity is genuinely brought to life, D&I directors, HR leaders, ESG managers and key groups play leading roles in art committee discussions and selections, as well as supporting subsequent staff engagement activities.
Key pieces in the exhibitions are identified for ‘engagement’ purposes, selected for their potential to encourage and support particular conversations and topics, such as decarbonisation and environmental awareness, ethics of AI and unconscious bias. Engagement activities are hosted by Art Acumen and range from meet-the-artist lunchtime events, artist led creative events as well as digital access to short films on each artist introducing their working practice and philosophical investigations.
The exhibition programmes will often feed several pieces each year into permanent collections, with staff taking part in the selection process. The programmes celebrate diversity at all levels – diversity of artist’s background, thought process, technique and approach.
Jan 14th, 2022