How to Achieve DEI Goals through Art: Lessons from Rapid7, WS Development, Google & ArtLifting
5:30-7 PM on January 31 at Rapid7
120 Causeway Street, Boston, MA 02114
THE FIRST OF TWO PROGRAMS IN A SERIES: How to Achieve DEI Goals through Art
Confirmed Speakers:
Program Details:
The audience will hear from entrepreneur, Liz Powers, and real estate leaders at Rapid7, WS Development and Google on why art is good for business.
Liz will take the audience on her journey as a social worker who identified extreme inequities in the workforce and art market, developed a "business for good" model, and partnered with 400 corporations to generate millions of dollars in income for individuals experiencing homelessness and disabilities. The speakers will connect artists' innovative practices with the needs and goals of corporate real estate professionals (drawing talent, sparking creativity, promoting diversity, or elevating their brand).
Michael will share his experience developing a corporate art strategy that makes Rapid7 employees proud of their workspaces. He will speak of the transformation in workplace strategy after years of employees working from home and discuss the importance of bridging employee experiences through a thoughtful art strategy. Yanni will share WS Development’s approach to custom art commissions to ensure spaces represent their human-centric values and strategy. With experience creating inclusive art programming across multiple asset classes and a passion for bridging the gap between underrepresented artists and employees, Marcella will share how Google has utilized its workplace to make a social impact.
While gaining insights from the presenters, the audience will learn from each other, as they share how they make their values visible and participate in ESG and diversity and inclusion initiatives in their roles as corporate real estate professionals.
Key Takeaways:
· Create a corporate art strategy that supports multiple business goals including employee recruitment & retention, diversity & inclusion, brand building, and ESG. Provide a way to measure the “S” impact in “ESG.”
· Understand inequalities in the art market and how purchasing artwork can make a social impact. Participants will be able to evaluate artwork vendors for efficiency and ease of partnership along with uniqueness of artwork and payment model to artists.
· Show their authentic commitment to the community to attract and retain employees during the Great Resignation. Participants will understand how artwork can be a valuable bridge to educate and engage employees, clients, and prospects.
