Exploring the impact of art on health and wellbeing, and the role buildings and organisations play
What comes to mind when you read the word “pharmacy?” Do you think of medicine, health and perhaps even a pathway to recovery?
Just as you would visit a pharmacy when you need to take care of your health, Art Pharmacy works with organisations and workplaces throughout Australia and internationally to implement creative visions, work with local artists and curate artwork that foster more vibrant, emotional environments to enhance one’s sense of well-being.
As leaders in curating public and private art experiences, Art Pharmacy believes art is a powerful tool for engagement, serving as a bridge between personal expression and communal experience. Today, we explore this transformative power of art in collaboration with WELL Certified, the global authority on promoting health and wellness in buildings and organisations.
For International WELL Building Institute, two of their most iconic projects in Australia, 555 Collins Street and Deloitte Sydney in Quay Quarter Tower, serve as notable case studies. Both projects are targeting WELL Platinum Certifications, the highest level available from IWBI. One of the key X-factors for both of these two projects is the incorporation of stunning artwork, carefully curated by Art Pharmacy.
What makes art important for people’s experience in engaging with a workplace?
Foster Creativity and Innovation: Art stimulates creative thinking and innovation by breaking the monotony of corporate spaces. Engaging with artwork in the workplace encourages employees to think outside the box and bring new ideas into their projects. Art as a form of enrichment has been shown to boost productivity by up to 17%. When applied in the workplace, art can boost productivity as much as 32%, according to workplace psychologist Dr Craig Knight. Comparatively, less than 10% of those those who work in “lean offices” which have little art or other amenities, said they felt inspired at work.
Build Identity and Culture: The art curated for a workplace reflects its values, identity, and ethos. It can speak to the company’s mission, culture, and community, helping employees feel connected to their work environment. It enhances brand recognition and promotes a shared sense of purpose.
Enhance Overall Well-being: Art has been shown to improve mental well-being. The psychological and physiological benefits of art have been recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) leading them to launch their Arts and Health program. It creates a calming and aesthetically pleasing environment that can reduce stress and promote relaxation, especially in high-pressure work environments. It can be as simple as improving employees’ perceived job satisfaction, which can boost productivity, and lower stress and burnout as revealed by the International Journal of Wellbeing.
Showcase Inclusion and Diversity: Art Pharmacy champions diversity and inclusion by curating works from a wide range of artists, including CALD (culturally and linguistically diverse) and First Nations. This not only brings new perspectives into the space but also helps foster a more inclusive environment where all employees feel represented and valued.
Facilitate Engagement and Collaboration: Art can act as a conversation starter, encouraging interaction between employees and breaking down hierarchical barriers. Art-filled spaces create areas where people naturally gather, fostering collaboration and the sharing of ideas.
Create a Sense of Ownership and Pride: When employees see their workplace investing in art and the culture it brings, they feel a stronger sense of pride in their workplace. It reflects a company’s commitment to creating an environment that values more than just productivity—it values people.
How do you think art drives better well-being outcomes?
Reduces Stress + Boosts Wellbeing: Art can transform workplaces into calming and aesthetically pleasing environments, helping employees feel more relaxed and reducing stress. Thoughtfully chosen colours and themes can evoke a sense of calm or energise a space, enhancing overall mood. Indeed, there are numerous studies highlighting how art positively impacts mental and overall well–being. In a 2019 report by the World Health Organisation, arts interventions were shown to help improve health and well-being, contribute to the prevention of various mental and physical illnesses, and support the treatment or management of a range of acute and chronic conditions. Further, art therapy has long been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression and trauma. Embracing the therapeutic functions of art lowers cortisol levels, the stress hormone, to contribute to well-being (Journal of the American Art Therapy Association.)
Engaging with art also releases dopamine, the “feel-good” hormone, uplifting spirits and combating feelings of isolation or burnout. In addition to dopamine release, artwork that features nature or nature elements can also be counted towards the WELL Mind Concept, Feature M07: Restorative Spaces.
Inspires Creativity & Encourages Mindfulness: Art stimulates creative thinking and self-expression, contributing to employees’ sense of fulfillment and purpose. Art as a form of enrichment has been shown to boost productivity by up to 17%. When applied in the workplace, art can boost productivity as much as 32%, according to workplace psychologist Dr Craig Knight. Comparatively, less than 10% of those who work in “lean offices” which have little art or other amenities, said they felt inspired at work. It invites reflection and innovative ideas, fostering both individual and collective well-being.
Additionally, art promotes mindfulness, allowing employees to pause and ground themselves, which helps combat sensory overload and enhances mental clarity. Taking the WELL Movement Concept, Feature V03 Circulation Network | Part 1: Design Aesthetic Staircases as an example, the thoughtful placement of artwork in the staircase is a great way to inspire creativity and encourage movement and mindfulness.
Promotes Community Building & Sense of Belonging: Art serves as a shared experience that encourages conversation and connection among employees, fostering stronger interpersonal relationships.
Jessica Johnson’s Continuation 2023 (above), commissioned by Art Pharmacy and part of Deloitte QQT’s collection, fosters an inclusive workplace through its vibrant symbolism and cultural significance. Drawing from Sydney WorldPride 2023’s theme ‘Dream, Gather, Amplify,’ the triptych of Blak Hearts embodies love, connection, and solidarity, encouraging reflection on inclusivity and resilience. By celebrating First Nations and LGBTQIA+ identities, the artwork invites dialogue, deepens cultural engagement, and builds a sense of belonging among employees. Johnson’s bright, uplifting aesthetic transforms the workspace into a place of meaningful connection, inspiring all to dream, connect, and amplify their voices together.
Engaging with art collectively reduces feelings of loneliness and enhances workplace morale, while also improving the physical environment through better aesthetics and layouts that promote health and well-being. This ties in perfectly to the WELL Mind Concept, Feature M02: Nature and Place | Part 2:Provide Connection to Place whereby a project integrates design elements, such as artwork that celebrates culture or place.
Can you talk about how art in corporate spaces gives opportunities to artists?
Placing art in corporate spaces provides invaluable opportunities for artists by elevating their careers, expanding their networks and giving them a platform to engage with diverse audiences. Corporate spaces offer artists the chance to have their work seen by a wide audience, including professionals, clients and visitors. Unlike galleries, which may attract specific art enthusiasts, corporate environments expose artists to a broader demographic, often leading to more interest in their work and potential commissions.
Corporate commissions also often lead to ongoing partnerships between artists and businesses. This could involve not only the sale of individual pieces but also long-term collaborations, such as rotating art exhibitions, creating themed collections or participating in corporate events. These sustained relationships can lead to regular income and creative projects for the artists.
Having work featured in corporate settings enhances an artist’s portfolio and credibility. Associations with recognised companies can boost an artist’s reputation and open doors to more prestigious commissions or gallery exhibitions. Particularly for emerging artists, the corporate world offers a vital stepping stone in their professional development. Many businesses seek to commission artwork that aligns with their mission, values or industry themes. This presents artists with the opportunity to explore new subjects or work with innovative materials and concepts that they may not have considered. For example, Evi O’s work, Chromaportal in the Deloitte Quay Quarter Tower art collection was her first time experimenting with 3D elements and sculpture.
How can art drive important health and equity messages?
Art is a powerful medium to communicate health and equity messages because of its ability to connect with people on emotional, intellectual, and cultural levels. It transcends language and cultural barriers, making complex social issues more accessible, sparking conversation, and inspiring action.
Ultimately, art has the ability to make abstract or invisible issues visible, evoking empathy and emotional connections. This is especially true for public health campaigns or equity-focused initiatives where data alone may not be enough to drive awareness. Art can visualise these issues in a way that resonates deeply with diverse audiences, helping to humanise statistics and policies by putting a face to the experiences of marginalised groups.
Well-curated art can do more than just raise awareness or translate the difficult to translate; it can inspire action. Artworks can provoke thought and challenge viewers to question their own beliefs or behaviours. This can be particularly effective in campaigns focused on public health, social justice, or climate change. Art can motivate viewers to participate in initiatives, make healthier choices, or advocate for policy changes.
Some examples of this include:
Australian First Nations’ artist Glenda Nicholls’ woven net artwork Dhungala, commissioned for the 555 Collins St corporate lobby in Melbourne, tells the story of the Murray River and the traditional people who lived there. Nicholls, a master weaver, acknowledges the hand-fishing technique of her ancestors in this delicately handmade piece suspended dramatically through the void of the lobby space. Accompanied by Nicholls’ audio retelling of this story accessible via QR code next to the artwork, Dhungala powerfully communicates a marginalised and unheard history through empowering traditional storytelling methods and bringing them into contemporary environments.
In the public realm, the “Before I Die” Project by Candy Chang started with a simple chalkboard in New Orleans where passersby could write what they wanted to achieve before they die. The project gave voice to people’s dreams, fears, and aspirations, breaking the stigma around conversations about death and mental health. It has since expanded to hundreds of cities worldwide, helping communities reflect on their lives and well-being.
Art is powerful, and when used beyond the purpose of aesthetics, it can be a transformative approach that enhances health, well-being, and community connection. Through the our projects, we see firsthand how thoughtfully curated artwork can inspire creativity, foster a sense of belonging, and promote overall well-being. The impact of art extends beyond individual benefit; it cultivates an environment that values diversity, inclusion, and social engagement. By showcasing the work of diverse artists, art becomes a powerful catalyst for change, encouraging us to reflect on our shared experiences and values.