Local Art in Coworking Spaces: How to Choose, Hang and Rotate It

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Local art gives a coworking space a character that generic office decor cannot, and it is a low-cost way to support nearby artists. Start with a clear agreement with each artist, hang pieces where members pass or pause, and rotate them on a set schedule.

Why put local art in a coworking space?

A coworking space sells an atmosphere as much as a desk. Art by people from the same area makes the room feel specific to its place, gives members something to talk about, and tells visitors you care about the neighbourhood. It can also set you apart from the many spaces that look alike.

For operators on a tight budget, it does not have to mean buying. Many artists are glad to show work on loan, which costs you wall space and a little admin.

Should you buy art or show it on loan?

Both work, and the choice depends on cash and commitment.

• Buying: the piece is yours to keep, which suits a lobby feature or a long-term focal point. It also puts money directly in an artist's pocket.
• Loan or consignment: the artist keeps ownership and you rotate work. This keeps the space fresh and costs less up front.
• Commission: an artist makes something for a specific wall. It takes longer but fits the room exactly.

Whichever you choose, put it in writing: who owns the piece, how long it stays, who pays for damage, whether it is for sale and what commission, if any, you take on a sale.

How do you find and choose local artists?

Look at galleries, community art fairs, open-studio events, local arts councils, art schools and social media accounts of artists in your area. Visit studios when you can, because seeing a piece in person tells you more than a photo does.

Then match art to the space and the people in it:

• Style: consider the room's colours, furniture and mood so pieces complement rather than clash.
• Scale: large walls need larger works or grouped pieces; small corners suit small works.
• Members: ask them. A short poll or a vote on a shortlist makes members feel involved.
• Suitability: choose work that is appropriate for a mixed, professional audience.

Where should you hang it?

Put art where people pause

Entrances, corridors, lounge areas, kitchens and the walls outside meeting rooms see the most eyes. Meeting rooms with a strong piece also look better on video calls, if the camera frames the wall behind the speaker.

Light it well, without direct sun

Good lighting helps people see the work. Spotlights or track lighting do this well. Strong direct sunlight can fade some works over time, so keep delicate pieces such as prints and watercolours away from sunny windows, and ask the artist how best to display theirs.

Leave space around each piece

A crowded wall makes everything look like clutter. Fewer, better placed works read as intentional. A gallery wall can work in a break area, while a single large work suits a reception wall.

How often should you rotate the work?

A schedule keeps things fresh and gives more artists a chance. Many spaces change displays a few times a year, for example each quarter, and tie a small opening event to each change. That brings the artist's own audience through your door, which can introduce your space to new people. It pairs well with the ideas in our guide to hosting workshops in a coworking space.

What should you check on rights and insurance?

Artwork is protected by copyright, which generally belongs to the artist unless transferred in writing. The US Copyright Office explains the basics in its overview of copyright. In practice, that means you should get permission before reproducing an artist's work on flyers, social posts or merchandise, and agree what use of images is allowed.

Ask your insurer whether works on loan are covered by your policy or need separate cover, and note any agreed values in the loan paperwork. For anything of high value or a legal question about contracts, ask an insurance broker or a lawyer.

How do you look after the art?

• Dust frames gently with a soft, dry cloth, and leave delicate surfaces to the artist.
• Hang works securely with fixings suited to the wall and the weight.
• Add a small sign asking members not to touch the work.
• Label each piece with the artist's name, title and contact, which helps members who want to buy.

What if a member wants to buy a piece?

Pass the enquiry to the artist, or let the label point them straight there. If you agreed a commission, handle it as written. Sales are a real benefit for the artist and a pleasant perk for the member.

Can art also help the room feel like a community?

It can. A named piece, an artist talk or a members' vote gives people a shared reference point, which helps with the community side of the space. If your members are also looking to meet each other, see our look at how creative businesses use coworking spaces for related ideas.

A simple plan to start

1. Set a small budget and decide whether you will buy, borrow or both.
2. Shortlist three to five local artists and visit their studios or shows.
3. Agree terms in writing, including duration, sales and damage.
4. Hang the work in the busiest spots with good lighting.
5. Add labels, then plan the next rotation and an opening event.

To round out the look of the room, the Creative Office Decor collection has workspace decor that can sit alongside local art.