Office walls can do more than fill empty space. A local artist program gives your team rotating images that fit the workday, while creators in your area gain paid exposure. This guide shows how to plan a program that looks professional, stays fair for artists, and is easy to run.
Why community-led wall displays work in workplaces
Many workplaces add Wall Art as a last step, after desks and meeting rooms are already set. A local artist program starts with the story you want the space to tell. It also makes rotation simple: instead of living with one set of pieces for years, you can swap Canvas Print and Art Print selections on a schedule.
What a “Local Artist Program” looks like inside a company
A practical program has four parts: a call for submissions, a short review, production, and a display period. Start with one feature wall for Office and one smaller area for Hallway, then scale after your first cycle.
Core model you can repeat
- Open call: a clear brief with theme, due date, and file specs
- Selection: a small panel chooses the set
- Production: chosen files are produced as Canvas Art or Art Print
- Display: pieces stay up for a set period, then rotate
Set goals, budget, and wall zones before you invite artists
Start by naming the goal: a calm reception wall, a client-facing meeting room, or a shared corridor. Then decide how many pieces you need. A single Extra Large Wall Art piece can anchor a lobby, while a grid of smaller prints can guide people down a long passage.
Pick where the pieces will hang: for Office, for Corporate Office, and for Conference are common zones. If your team works hybrid, add one display area for Home Office backdrops used on calls.
Choose formats that handle real office life
For rotation, format matters as much as the image. Canvas Print options are a simple first choice because they arrive ready to hang and move well between rooms. Art Print sets can be a good fit for tight walls where you want several smaller pieces.
Canvas Print vs Art Print in simple terms
Canvas Print: a strong pick for feature walls, reception zones, and meeting rooms. It also works well as Office Canvas Print and Office Canvas Art when you need one focal point.
Art Print: a smart choice for corridors and small offices, especially when one artist submits a short series of related images.
Size planning for teams that rotate work
Use Large Wall Art for a focal wall and smaller pieces for secondary paths. If you are unsure, start with one big anchor piece plus two smaller companions.
Build a fair selection process that artists can trust
Artists want clear rules. Teams want speed and consistency. Publish a brief, follow it, and keep the theme broad enough for good submissions while still suitable for a workplace.
What to include in the open-call brief
- Theme and mood (example: “work and place”)
- Where the work will hang (for Office, for Conference, for Hallway)
- Allowed file types and minimum resolution
- Any content rules (family-safe, no logos, no violence)
- Deadline and decision date
- How artists will be credited on the wall
- Payment method and timing
Keep the review panel small: one person from brand, one from people ops, and one rotating staff seat. If you want an outside voice, invite a teacher or gallery staff member as a guest reviewer.
Theme ideas that suit office walls
Choose themes that are easy to live with day to day: abstract sets for focus zones, nature scenes for quiet corners, and travel views for meeting rooms. For lighter spaces like break areas, a pop culture set can work well. If you need a clean, desk-friendly look, the Abstract Art Print Collection is a strong reference point for office-ready shapes and tones.
If you want a fast start, browse the Office Canvas Print Collection to see common formats and wall setups used in workplaces. Then use that as a reference when you write the brief.
Rights and usage: keep it clear
Before you print anything, agree on the basics in writing. Your agreement can be short, but it should state what you are paying for, how long the work will be displayed, and how the artist will be credited. If you plan to post photos of the wall on your website or social channels, include that too. Clear terms prevent awkward surprises for both sides.
A simple approach is to pay per selected image and set a display window (for example, 90 days). If your program rotates, you can also offer a re-selection option where the artist can opt in again for a later cycle. Keep the language plain and avoid legal jargon when you can.
Production notes to keep each cycle consistent
Once the files are selected, standardize how they are produced so each rotation looks cohesive. Many teams pick one finish and one depth for the whole cycle. On Artesty, Canvas Prints are made to order and stretched on pine wood bars, and they arrive ready to hang with accessories.
For a business-first tone, the Business Concept Wall Art Collection can help you match themes like leadership and teamwork to the rooms where clients meet your team.
From file to finished canvas: what happens next
After selection, treat production like a small project. First, confirm each file meets size and resolution needs for the chosen format and the final print size. Next, run a quick proof step so the artist can confirm cropping and basic color balance. Once approved, the file moves to printing.
On Artesty, many products are printed with archival ink systems and then stretched on 100% pine wood stretcher bars (1.5" thick), so the canvas arrives ready to hang. After stretching, hardware is added, corners are checked, and each piece is packed fo:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}or a team wall, consider shipping all pieces to one office address so install day stays simple.
Install planning: spacing, height, and light
Use a repeatable rule. Hang the center of the main piece at eye level for a standing viewer in reception areas. In meeting rooms, lower it slightly so it reads well from a seated position. Test for glare under your normal lights before you install the full set.
Keep the program community-powered over time
Programs last when they are easy to run. Build a rhythm: one open call, one review meeting, one install day, and one close-out message that thanks the artists and the team. Add small wall cards with the artist name, title, and a short note so visitors can understand what they are seeing.
Ways teams keep it active without extra work
- Let staff vote on one “people’s pick” each cycle
- Rotate the guest reviewer seat across departments
- Use one shared submission form with the same specs every time
- Photograph the installed wall and share it internally
When your program needs a calmer look, use the Nature Wall Art Collection as a guide for tones that suit reception zones and quiet work areas.
Measure results and refine the next rotation
Keep measurement simple. Ask: “Which wall do you notice most?” “Did the work feel right for the room?” “Should the next cycle be calmer or more bold?” Use the answers to adjust the next brief and the next wall plan.
FAQs
1) What is a local artist program for office walls?
A repeatable process to invite, select, print, and rotate work on office walls.
2) Do we need a big budget to start?
No—start with one wall, a small set, and a quarterly rotation.
3) Should we begin with Canvas Print or Art Print?
Canvas Print is an easy first choice; Art Print works well for multi-piece sets.
4) How many pieces should we hang on one wall?
Try one anchor piece plus two to four smaller pieces.
5) How do we choose a theme that fits a workplace?
Pick calm, team-friendly topics and set clear content rules in the brief.
6) How do we keep selection fair?
Use one checklist, score each entry the same way, and document decisions.
7) What file specs should we request?
High-resolution files, a short description, and permission to print for display.
8) How do we credit artists on the wall?
Use a small card with name, title, and one short note.
9) How long should each rotation last?
Quarterly is easy for most teams; monthly is possible with a larger admin plan.
10) What rooms work best for the program?
Reception, meeting rooms, corridors, and break areas are strong starting points.
11) How do we handle glare from overhead lights?
Test one piece first, then adjust light angles or shift the wall set.
12) What if an artist submits work that doesn’t fit?
Decline politely, point to the brief, and invite them to a future theme.
13) Can we rotate by department?
Yes—assign one wall per group and keep one shared calendar for installs.
14) How do we store prints between rotations?
Label each piece and store it flat in a dry, clean cabinet or closet.
15) How can we make it feel like part of the team?
Share the artist story internally and let staff vote on one pick per cycle.
0
14