Corporate Art Collections in Australia: The Influence of Aboriginal Art on Corporate Identity. (April 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Williams, Martin; Biggemann, Sergio
• Is Part Of: International journal of business communication. Volume 60:Number 2(2023)
• Page Start: 656
• Page End: 677
• Publication Date: 2023-04
• Subjects: corporate identity -- marketing communication -- employee attitudes -- corporate art collection -- Indigenous art -- corporate social responsibility; Business communication -- Periodicals; 658.45
• DOI: 10.1177/2329488420958112
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2329-4884

Abstract

This study is the first to investigate the use of Aboriginal art for marketing purposes. Over 2000 major enterprises in Europe and North America collect art, but in Australia relatively few do. Research has established that art collections contribute to corporate identity, but this has not been studied in Australia. Using a qualitative case study approach, this exploratory study investigates how art collections are used to support the work of three Australian banking and law firms whose collections include Aboriginal art. We asked respondents from each firm how and why they collected Aboriginal art and their perception of the role of art in symbolizing their firm's values and culture. Aboriginal art was found to contribute to a firm's identity and corporate social responsibility, especially when collections included the work of emerging artists and more challenging political content. It also presented a friendly face to Aboriginal clients. For firms in overseas markets, Aboriginal art served to signal a firm's Australianness.