At a time when CSR issues have become unavoidable, the renewed rental of art in the workplace is becoming a major trend. Not only do works of art enrich the working environment, they also fit in perfectly with the economy of use, meeting a triple requirement: economy, flexibility and sustainability.
These practices are part of an economy of use, where renewal and reuse take precedence over possession.
©️ Cover photo credits Bail Art
User economy: history and current resonances
"The French declare themselves 80% in favor of the idea of " being able to use a product more than owning it", according to the latest Observatoire du rapport des Français à l'économie circulaire by L'ObSoCo (L'Observatoire société et consommation), published in 2019. Historically, the possession-based consumption model began to be replaced by rental as far back as Mesopotamia, as evidenced by land rental contracts. In the 20th century, this model gained momentum with the emergence of property and asset leasing in an industrial and commercial context. Today, with growing environmental awareness, the use economy is experiencing rapid growth. According to a study by Grand View Research in 2021, the global rental market is expected to grow by 5% annually until 2025, driven by technological and environmental factors. Over the past ten years, we've seen the emergence of this awareness among consumers that they have a role to play in the ecological transition," explains Véronique Varlin, Associate Director of L'ObSoCo. They expect companies to give them the means to act, to consume responsibly. "
"Corporate art rental represents a strategy that aligns with the principles of cost management, flexibility, and social and cultural responsibility for businesses."
Côme de Drouas, Bail Art Projects Manager
Rotation of works: for a collaborative and circular economy
The concept of the economy of functionality emerged in the 1980s, developed by architect Walter Stahel and taken up by philosopher Dominique Bourg in the 2000s. In its most basic form, it's the transition from product to service," explains Elisabeth Laville, founder and director of Utopies, a sustainable development consultancy. We'll be renting rather than owning, selling usage rather than the good itself. " Corporate art rental offers a solution that is both economical and ecological, by encouraging the rotation of artworks. This approach helps to revitalize workspaces on a regular basis without incurring ownership costs to "test" or renew certain works in one's working environment. In this way, companies discover and introduce new artists, and transform their offices while adhering to sustainable practices. " When fitting out our new offices, I made eco-responsible choices, and I thought it was a shame to acquire photos only to have to change them shortly afterwards," testifies the President of Groupe Partnaire in Le Parisien. "We therefore preferred this solution of renting works of art, in order to be able to evolve our headquarters."
Full service in art rental
Art rental specialists offer a complete service that stands out for its flexibility, its ability to offer solutions accessible to all company sizes, and its mediation tools for integrating all stakeholders into the project. According to a survey by Workplace Insight, companies that opt for "full service" art rental services report a 15% increase in employee satisfaction with the working environment. This service includes not only the curation of artworks that reflect corporate values and impact projects, but also hanging, insurance, and the provision of mediation and communication tools. The rotation of works, either over time or geographically across different subsidiaries, ensures a coherent and dynamic artistic presence.
Staying open and evolving: the flexibility of art in the workplace
" Renting rather than buying met both a financial criterion (€25 to €155 ex. VAT per work per month, including selection, hanging and insurance) and the desire to remain scalable."In the context of innovative workspace management, the regular rotation of works of art goes beyond simple decoration to become a dynamic tool for communication and commitment. In the run-up to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, some companies are choosing to showcase artworks and photographs celebrating the event but also the values conveyed by sport, very often in line with many of the soft skills currently sought by companies - team spirit, respect, determination, excellence and performance, boldness... In addition, exploiting holdings from renowned photographic collections such as those of AFP or Paris Match makes it possible to highlight historical events, key figures or artistic trends that resonate with current events. These initiatives are perfectly in line with corporate social and even cultural responsibility, contributing to the company's openness and fostering an enriched, evolving workplace.
Impact on well-being at work and brand image
Integrating art into workspaces is not just a question of aesthetics. It's also a strategy for improving employee well-being and fostering talent retention in a context where many sectors are struggling to recruit today. According to Craig Knight, who led the research at Exeter University's School of Psychology, " Allowing people to decorate office space with artwork could increase productivity by up to 32% and help reduce stress at work. " Works of art stimulate employee engagement, promoting a pleasant working environment and reflecting corporate values.
Bail Art Projects
Bail Art Projects installs works of art in relaxation areas, offices, gardens and company lobbies for :
- encouraging curiosity
- strengthening the employer brand
- convey CSR commitments
Leading art rental company since 2009, a team of professionals will accompany you:
- rental of works for temporary decoration
- customized projects for permanent decoration: murals and monumental works of art
- exhibitions to liven up your teams
🖥️ Discover Bail Art Projects corporate art projects
📞 +33(0)1 46 17 47 19 ➿ Non-exhaustive catalog here
