Can Your Corporate Art Program Improve Your Social Impact? (BOMA 2025 Preview)

Your building’s artwork makes a statement about your organization. It’s often part of creating first impressions—memorable or otherwise. And the way you specify that artwork tells a story too—a story about your values and your organization’s culture.

ArtLifting—a social enterprise that advances access to the art market by connecting socially conscious customers and artists with disabilities and housing insecurity—is making its first appearance at the BOMA International Conference & Expo, exhibiting at booth #654 in 2025. The organization has more than 500 clients worldwide, including 50 of the Fortune 500, who partner with ArtLifting for curated art placements that contribute to company culture, help partner companies celebrate their values, and create a measurable social impact.

“Art has a profound impact on mood, engagement, and wellness,” explained Michael Korcek, marketing director for ArtLifting. “In a commercial setting, thoughtfully curated artwork creates a welcoming environment, reduces stress, and fosters a sense of pride and belonging. When that artwork also reflects real stories of resilience and creativity, it becomes a source of daily inspiration. Artwork also supports placemaking and community-building efforts, offering unique opportunities to create moments of wonder that offer unforgettable experiences.”

Rudolph Jean-Louis’ “Doctrine of Obscurity,” a 20- by 20-foot sculpture, appears at 400 Summer Street in Boston’s Seaport District. 400 Summer Street displays several ArtLifting artworks, all of which were selected for their visual impact and their ability to complement the property’s modern design.

How Can I Curate Art for My Building?

ArtLifting takes care of all the heavy lifting where curation is concerned. It partners with top talent who create high-quality paintings, sculptures, digital art, collages, and more. These artists are often overlooked by traditional galleries and institutions but could be the perfect fit for your building. All art is accompanied by plaques that inform onlookers about the artist, their inspiration, and their processes, inviting your tenants and their employees to feel a connection with creators.

“We collaborate closely with each client to understand their space, values, and goals—whether that’s elevating employee wellness, creating moments of delight and discovery, reinforcing commitments to inclusion, or simply designing an inviting and memorable environment,” Korcek said. “From there, we curate artwork that reflects their brand and story. We handle everything from curation to framing, delivery, and installation.”

Partner companies can choose to buy the artwork outright, but the rental rotation has become increasingly popular in commercial real estate, Korcek noted. Rotating the art keeps spaces flexible and fresh, with artwork changing quarterly, biannually, or annually.

“Rotations are curated based on a company’s goals, values, physical space, and aesthetics. We often theme rotations around topics like mental health, resilience, or community impact,” Korcek said. “If a company has specific cultural or talent engagement initiatives they want to highlight, we tailor the artwork accordingly, ensuring each rotation is both visually impactful and deeply aligned with the company’s mission.”

“Cathedral Lights” by Erik Jensen is displayed on the executive floor of One Congress in Boston. Jensen creates large-scale artworks using hand-dyed computer keys that are arranged to form vibrant shapes and colors visible from a distance, while up close, they reveal hidden poems and messages.

How Does Art Curation Benefit Building Owners?

“Companies that partner with ArtLifting are looking to do more than decorate—they want to make a statement about who they are and contribute to placemaking efforts with meaningful artwork,” Korcek explained. “ArtLifting artwork shows a commitment to social impact, inclusivity, and supporting local talent. By displaying ArtLifting works, they’re embedding their values into their physical space and creating an environment where employees and visitors feel connected to something bigger.”

To that end, ArtLifting art programs can contribute to corporate social responsibility, ESG, and DEI initiatives, Korcek noted. Clients receive impact reports and artist reactions to help them communicate this impact to their stakeholders. Additionally, ArtLifting artwork and art programs directly contribute to building certifications like WELL, Fitwel, and LEED, as well as ESG reporting, like GRESB, Korcek noted. The ArtLifting team can help clients ensure their artwork supports features for those certifications.

"We’re thrilled to bring ArtLifting to BOMA in our hometown of Boston for the first time,” said ArtLifting CEO Liz Powers. “It’s an incredible opportunity to connect with leaders in commercial real estate who are rethinking how buildings can reflect company values, foster wellbeing, and create community through partnerships with disabled artists.”

Not registered for the 2025 BOMA International Conference & Expo yet? Register today!