Lawyers use art to inspire innovation

<i>Inversions of the Real</i>, by Suzi Elhafez. The work is part of the Hall & Wilcox emerging artists exhibition.
Inversions of the Real, by Suzi Elhafez. The work is part of the Hall & Wilcox emerging artists exhibition.

Lawyers have always believed their profession is more art than science and now Hall & Wilcox are making the argument literal.

The firm has been turning its offices into an art gallery several times a year and the latest exhibition, with works by artists Hilary Dodd, Suzi Elhafez and Mariella McKinley (pictured), opened in the Rialto Tower in Melbourne on November 10.

“Clients love it and it helps us connect with the community and inspire our staff,” says partner Natalie Bannister, who instituted the company’s art prize and exhibition program in 2015. “Having art on our walls is a daily trigger for people to look at the world a little bit differently.”

Everyone in the firm is encouraged to tap their social networks to find artists for consideration, then a committee from all parts of the business selects the artists for the exhibition.

Artwork by Mariella McKinley, part of the Hall & Wilcox emerging artists exhibition.
Artwork by Mariella McKinley, part of the Hall & Wilcox emerging artists exhibition. Paralax Photography

The only limitations are the artists must live in Australia and can’t be making a living from their art. The artist gets the whole of the purchase price of any works that are sold and the firm purchases a work chosen by a staff vote.

Like Leadership with the Financial Review on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter. Join the LinkedIn conversation.

Artwork by Hilary Dodd, in the Hall & Wilcox emerging artists exhibition.
Artwork by Hilary Dodd, in the Hall & Wilcox emerging artists exhibition.