How Art Creates “Brain Spas” in the Workplace with Christine Phelan
Dot Dot Dot: The NINE dot ARTS Podcast
Episode 35
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Christine Phelan, Global Senior Program Manager at Amazon, tells dot dot dot listeners about the creative amenity programs underway at Amazon, particularly at the Seattle office in South Lake Union where the company works to engage both employees and the greater community in educational and creative programming that enriches the area as whole. Christine describes how Amazon’s Expressions Program in particular aims to pause the “cerebral-ness” of employees’ work and encourages them to make something with their hands, interact with those outside their role, and enjoy the meditative and restorative effects that art can produce. Plus, she shares the impact of these creative programs on Amazon’s workforce and the corporate sector as whole, emphasizing the business case behind art, culture, and creativity for improving key metrics like retention, productivity, and profitability.
Discussed in the Episode:
Creativity Builds Community Through Amazon’s Expressions Program
Amazon Artist in Residence Program
2022 Resident Artists
Amazon Resident Artist Barry Johnson
Amazon’s Corporate Offices
Jackson National Life
South Lake Union
Amazon Principles
Georgia O’Keeffe
Frida Kahlo
Georges Seurat
How Art Improves the Return to Office Experience for Employees
How Art Boosts Employee Productivity
Meet the Dogs of Amazon
The Seattle Times – Horticulture Team and Activities at Amazon’s Spheres
Seattle Spheres
Christine Phelan on LinkedIn
About Christine Phelan:
As the Global Senior Program Manager at Amazon, Christine Phelan oversees the company’s many creative amenity programs – including the Artist in Residence Program and the Expressions Program – intended to both support local artists and spark creativity, community, and innovation amongst Amazon employees. Christine is a solutions oriented professional with expertise in the corporate, nonprofit, and higher education sectors, developing programs and partnership for companies such as JLL, Hines, Coca-Cola, the University of Washington, and Southern Methodist University.
About Dot Dot Dot: The NINE dot ARTS Podcast
Dot Dot Dot is the continuing conversation around art and placemaking in the built environment. Hosted by NINE dot ARTS CEO Martha Weidmann, episodes explore art, culture, community, and more with a range of reputable business leaders. Tune in biweekly to learn how an original art experience can boost your business and make a social impact. All episodes will be available on our YouTube Channel or wherever you get your podcasts!