Gadens has a long history of supporting emerging and established artists. Our involvement with the arts extends beyond traditional forms of corporate support such as sponsorships and corporate art collections, to the integration of the arts into many facets of the firm’s operations, including artists in residence.
Our approach to the arts is based on a philosophy of creative engagement designed to encourage our people think outside the square and to feel comfortable sharing ideas.
Some recent examples of our engagement with the arts are outlined below.
Poetry in Action
Poetry In Action conducted a 22 week workshop for a large group of Sydney staff aimed at helping staff to embrace language, think creatively, and like poets, to focus on using the best words in the best order. The fun and interactive workshops were held in place of the traditional Monday morning meeting, creating a more motivating and energising start to the working week.
Ruben Guthrie
Gadens was recently the production partner of Ruben Guthrie at La Boîte Theatre Company in Brisbane. A series of events were hosted throughout the season to showcase the production and to engage Brisbane staff and clients in contemporary theatre. As well as inviting various groups of staff and clients to attend the show, the lead actor, Gyton Grantley of Underbelly fame, attended the Brisbane offices for a meet & greet session where he discussed his roles in and passion for the dramatic arts.
Showcasing emerging artists
Our Adelaide office collaborated with a range of emerging artists and an art entrepreneur to host exhibitions of works by emerging South Australian artists. Painters and glass, ceramic and furniture, and talented Indigenous artists have been displayed in the firm’s Gouger Street offices. Similarly, our Sydney office showcases works by a range of emerging artists through different installations on display throughout the year.
National Art School
Since 2009, Gadens and the National Art School in Darlinghurst, Sydney have had a partnership agreement based on in-kind support. In exchange for legal services, the National Art School has provided Gadens staff and clients with unique opportunities such as life drawing classes and lunchtime seminars on art history and theory. Our partnership with the National Art School saw Gadens awarded Best Practice Recognition from the Australian Business Arts Foundation in 2011.