Creating Inclusive Retail Spaces Through The Power of Art

In a recent talk at BankSpaces, Liz Powers, co-founder and CEO of ArtLifting, shared how banks and credit unions can create more inclusive and community-connected spaces through art. 

ArtLifting, a Boston-based social enterprise, provides a platform for artists facing barriers such as housing insecurity or disabilities to sell their work. ArtLifting has worked with over 450 corporations to implement large, scalable art programs. Works by ArtLifting artists can be found in the physical locations of several industries, including many financial institutions: Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and others.

The heartwarming stories Powers told of artists overcoming personal tragedies or pushing through adversity to create what, by any definition, are notable works of art moved many in the audience. Powers illustrated the powerful impact that inclusive art can have in corporate and retail environments:

• Humanizing spaces: As technology advances, authentic artwork can add a personal touch to physical locations. Each piece comes with the artist's photo, bio, and often a quote, creating a connection between customers and the art's creator.
• Embracing diversity & aligning with company values: Inclusive art can visibly demonstrate a company's commitment to DEI. One Bank of America customer noted they opened an account specifically because of the bank's partnership with ArtLifting. Rotating art collections can showcase different artists’ works while providing opportunities for community engagement through art openings.
• Positive impact on artists: Through corporate partnerships and sales, some ArtLifting artists have earned significant incomes, dramatically improving their quality of life.

Powers shared a quote from Rebecca Sigfrids, SVP of Financial Center Design and Innovation at Bank of America, highlighting how partnering with ArtLifting supports the bank’s human-centric design approach, creating engaging spaces that resonate with local communities.

"At Bank of America, it's important that we take a human-centric design approach, and ArtLifting has been an invaluable partner in supporting this strategy at scale,” Sigfrids said. “We're creating engaging and memorable spaces that resonate with the communities we serve and celebrate their diversity and vibrancy."