Olivier van Gool opened with an anecdote. He once purchased a piece of art that he believed perfectly matched the organisation. His colleagues disagreed. The artwork quickly earned the nickname “the sock” and eventually ended up in storage. Since then, he has advised companies to always involve employees when selecting art.<\/p>\n
In another project, he showed what happens when it is done right. A photography company with a grey, uninspiring office regained its identity through photography and art. Employees felt more at home. The workplace came back to life.<\/p>\n
Sharon Oldenkotte Vrolijk (BPD Europe) explained how art has had a place within her organisation for nearly a century. The corporate collection is managed through a foundation and continues to grow through new office projects. Art forms one integrated story together with the building and the interior.<\/p>\n
At the same time, she emphasised the importance of context. A piece displaying the text “This office is not open”<\/em> once caused unrest among employees. By involving staff early and clearly explaining the meaning of artworks, organisations can prevent unintended friction. Support from leadership is also essential.<\/p>\n Mark Grol (PAN Amsterdam) shared how art was once introduced at the Turmac factory, later BAT. Initially it was met with cynicism. Employees would say, “I could make that myself.”<\/em> But over time, this changed into pride. It became their<\/em> collection.<\/p>\n Years later, when the artworks were auctioned, they generated not only publicity but also financial returns. His message was clear: art must add value to the environment and align with the identity of the organisation.<\/p>\n Organisations that want to introduce art into the workplace should involve employees in the selection process. This builds support and makes art part of the daily experience.<\/p>\n Choose art that connects to the organisation\u2019s story. This can be done literally, for example by selecting local artists or themes that reinforce the company\u2019s mission. Always provide context by sharing the story behind the artwork. Engage an advisor who understands both the content of art and the dynamics of the workplace. And most importantly, position art within the broader strategy around real estate and organisational identity.<\/p>\n Curious about the full story and the atmosphere of the discussion?<\/p>\n Download the full PAN 2025 recap, including photography from the session, speaker quotes and additional insights on art in the workplace.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" A PAINTING THAT CONNECTS, OR A SOCK ON THE WALL Olivier van Gool opened with an anecdote. He once purchased a piece of art that he believed perfectly matched the organisation. His colleagues disagreed. The artwork quickly earned the nickname “the sock” and eventually ended up in storage. Since then, he has advised companies to…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":7582,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[114,105],"tags":[247,167,260],"class_list":["post-7583","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-design-and-build","category-uncategorized","tag-kantoor-design","tag-kantoorinrichting","tag-kunst"],"acf":{"hero_banner_background_color":"","subtitle_blog":"Art in the office strengthens identity, fosters pride, enhances atmosphere and makes workplaces more human","introduction_blog":" During PAN 2025, we were proud to be a partner of the fair and to host a substantive discussion on a topic that often remains underexposed in real estate strategies: the value of art in the office. At a time when workplaces increasingly revolve around identity, wellbeing and connection, we explored how art can genuinely contribute to these themes.<\/p>\r\n The panel discussion was moderated by Kai van Hasselt, real estate developer and member of the art committee at Ymere. Together with Sharon Oldenkotte Vrolijk, Director of Marketing & Communications at BPD Europe, and Mark Grol, affiliated with PAN Amsterdam and a specialist in corporate art collections, we discussed how art can be more than decoration: a strategic asset that enriches organisations.<\/p>\r\n The discussion made clear that art in the workplace only works when it is rooted in people, context and identity. What happens when employees are involved in the selection process? How do you prevent resistance or misinterpretation? And what does it ultimately deliver for the organisation as a whole? The insights, anecdotes and lessons shared during PAN 2025 are highlighted below.<\/p>","diensten_selection":[846],"titel_download":"Download the PAN Recap","omschrijving_download":"","usp_1_whitepaper":"","usp_2_whitepaper":"","usp_3_whitepaper":"","gravity_form_download":"48","medewerker_selection":[4301]},"yoast_head":"\nFROM SCEPTICISM TO PRIDE<\/h2>\n
WHEN ART WORKS FOR EVERYONE<\/h2>\n