Dear Andrew,

I'm afraid that the grants that most arts organizations get around here don't allow for an aesthetic office space, never mind a creativity-generating one. One is very lucky to have an office at all, and many people are working from their homes, 'discouraged' by their grant- makers to put money into 'bricks and mortar', in favor of more programming money.

Unless one has some deep-pocketed friends who care about how we feel when we do our jobs as Administrators, we'll just have to be happy when the conductors and concerts get funded.

I also have a suspish that now that the administrators such as that beknighted fellow at the Smithsonian, who have spent lavishly, have come to light, that will have a chilling effect on anyone who puts up so much as much as a grant-funded Monet poster in their offices from now on. It is amazing what those who craft these grants send through the pipeline to those who need the money, not just want it.

No foosball machines here, my friend, we are in the age of matching grants in Connecticut.

Thanks for the great blog!

Andrew,

About 7 years ago I led a team of artists and architects and interior designers in creating their office space for the local chapter of AIA and the public art agency, UrbanArt Commission in Memphis,TN.

The partnering and execution was not without complications but the headquarters and it's constituents were the beneficiaries of some creative design and use of materials. A floating staircase with the steps connected to huge chimes, carpet squares designed by a fabric artist and interior designer, and a translucent wall appliqued with colored lighting gels for visual play in the boardroom.

I think you are correct in your opinion that "our own" offices rarely get done. But sometimes the stars do line up.

In addition to the previous comments, Andrew, I think there is a fear of looking TOO creative in an administrative arts office. After all, most of the work we do is not with artists who appreciate ambiance but with business people and corporate donors who want to make sure we know we are running a business and doing it efficiently.

The second-hand, drab office environment assures our contributors that we are not wasting money on frivolous things but are focused on our mission. We can bring color, fun and innovation to our offices (usually with our own contributions from home) but it may not be to our advantage to appear too affluent, too image-conscious, too artsy.

Thanks for the thoughtful comments.

My primary thought, though not well crafted, was about *functional* design rather than *aesthetic* for the administrative offices of arts organizations. There are all sorts of reasons (stated wonderfully above) that keep us from building glitzy, opulent, and plush spaces for administrative staff. But even the most drab and second-hand office space can be reshuffled and reconceived to serve the way its occupants work.

In other words, are the desks and work areas arranged in thoughtful ways? Is there adequate space for impromptu working groups or informal exchange? Are the offices, doors, and cubicles supporting collaborative work or inhibiting it?

These issues aren't always about resources (although resources help) but rather about resourcefulness and intent.

Hi Andrew,

Being located in Manhattan, space remains a constant challenge for us. We maintain an open, shared environment where almost everyone can see each other and we outlawed cubicles entirely. We have also placed house plants strategically around the space to keep the oxygen flowing and painted the walls bright colors.

While I realize it is rare and certainly relative to the size/type of organization, I believe this arrangement supports our productivity and has facilitated better service delivery overall. It has also created a tight-knit bond between the staff.

Only our Ex. Dir. has a proper office with a door on it, but the connecting wall he shares with the communal space has a giant window in it (it was a recording studio once) so we've titled his domain "the fishbowl". When we recently expanded into the office next door, that area was dubbed the "west wing". Through a minimal amount of creative planning, our physical space has become a reflection of our organizational personality and that makes it a much more enjoyable place to work, especially given the long hours we normally put in.

Dear Andrew

I am saddened to find little evidence in this report for the fundamental contribution of visual artworks to rendering the office atmosphere more congenial and conducive to creative thinking. As a manager of a collection of art works I have several works on display in my office. In fact, my office is a bit of a mini gallery and I find that visitors always comment upon works that strike, repel, move them. This is often the starting point for interesting conversations about the arts and much more, enhancing the introduction to meetings or business transactions. If I could, I would post an image of my office to make the point. I am convinced that, especially in the knowledge economy and its concomitant technological dominance and pressure there is, more than ever, a need to trigger creativity and dialogue through physical manifestations of the creative process. Anyone agree?

I'm thinking I might putty the large gouge in the middle of my second-hand desk so when I sign thank you notes, my pen doesn't catch in the groove and go zooming off the page.

Seriously, though - this has made me think about how I can use my office as a tool for inspiration, and also a showcase for the success and excitement of our work. I think I'll make some changes (and do some putty-ing).