Progressive Insurance, one of the largest car insurers in the US, has a well-known art collection that includes over 8,000 contemporary works by emerging artists. The company began collecting art in the early 1970s, and their collection now includes paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs, and mixed media works. The collection has been on display at their headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio since 1979, and it is open to the public.
One of the notable pieces in the collection is The Idea Of Order At Key West by American artist Robert Rauschenberg, which is part of his Jammer series. The piece features a mix of different media, including paint, newspaper clippings, and images of maps and cityscapes. Another prominent piece in the collection is Fat Mini by Austrian artist Erwin Wurm, which is a sculpture of a Mini Cooper with a distorted shape
The company’s art collection is not just a way to decorate their headquarters, but also an example of their commitment to supporting emerging artists and promoting creativity.
The corporate world’s interest in art is a reflection of the growing importance of art as an investment and cultural asset. The art collections of companies such as JPMorgan Chase, UBS, and Coca-Cola demonstrate their commitment to fostering creativity and innovation within their organizations and communities. These collections are not only a reflection of a company’s values but also an essential part of their brand identity. The world’s most impressive corporate art collections showcase the diversity and richness of the art world, from ancient artefacts to contemporary works. As the business world continues to embrace the arts, we can expect to see more companies following in the footsteps of these trailblazers.
As renowned art dealer and collector Larry Gagosian said, “Art is not just a luxury commodity; it’s an essential part of the cultural fabric of society. And by supporting art, corporations are investing in the world’s most valuable asset: our collective creativity.”