Why would a company choose to commission artists to create new pieces for them? asks Sue Cullen. In Experian?s case there were a number of influences which spurred the company (suppliers of information on consumers and businesses) to commission four local artists to create work for its headquarters in Nottingham.
When the company refurbished its offices in Talbot House, a classic art deco building, it uncovered a stunning marble relief hidden behind a fireplace, as well as a series of mosaic panels commissioned by the founder of the company. The company also set about renovating the chairman?s private bathroom ? a riot of coloured mosaics covering walls, ceilings and floors.
But these artworks were from the thirties and the high tech office interiors were adorned with corporate information posters, and the working environment was a little austere. The London office was also discussing what to put on the walls of offices around the country and the Chairman suggested commissioning work from artists in each location. Experian worked with Arts & Business and consultants Renn & Thacker to formalise their ideas for a collection. The company was keen from the outset to involve its workforce in the commissioning process, and give them a chance to find out more about the artists working on their doorstep. Artistic excellence formed the basis for selection but the artists also had to be both local and prepared to create work which was linked in some way to the work of the company. Over sixty artists submitted work to the selection panel, made up of people from all levels of the company together with Arts & Business, Renn & Thacker, and the Vice Chancellor of Nottingham Trent University.
Four very different artists were chosen and the work created reflects the diverse approaches they took. Paulette Fedarb, who works in ink and gouache, produced a series of works inspired by the art deco architecture and mosaics of Talbot House. Toby Jennings? work depicts the local scenery and working life of the company. Fabric and machine embroidery artist Corrina Rothwell and mixed media artist Stephen Butler involved themselves closely with the staff, spending time at the office partnering people as they worked and informally chatting with a whole host of workers. They also ran studio visits where the progress of their work was discussed.
The collection created is vibrant, stimulating and challenging. The involvement of the workforce with the arts hasn?t stopped with these initial commissions. Experian is also developing an intranet-based gallery which allows staff to view and purchase the work of local artists. It is hoped to make this facility available to other East Midlands companies, bringing the work of local artists to new audiences.
Sue Cullen is in charge of Arts & Regeneration in Leisure Arts at Nottinghamshire County Council. t: 0115 977 4687; e: sue.cullen@nottscc.gov.uk