In 2020, RSM embarked on a significant transformation of its brand new 147,000-square-foot headquarters in Chicago, seeking to create an environment that was visually compelling and reflective of its core values. 

RSM wanted spaces and artwork that inspires employees, aligns with their Employee Network Groups (ENG, and creates a meaningful social impact. ArtLifting was brought in to lead this artistic initiative, collaborating closely with RSM’s team of architects at Interior Architects to thoughtfully curate a collection that resonates with employees and visitors alike.

The partnership at the Chicago HQ resulted in the installation of print reproductions and original artworks ArtLifting artists, each carefully selected to harmonize with the modern architecture of RSM’s space — featuring extensive windows and glass walls — while simultaneously embodying the company’s emphasis on community spirit and representation.

"Partnering with ArtLifting has been an incredibly meaningful experience for the entire RSM team. This collaboration enhances our workspace with inspiring artwork and reinforces our commitment to inclusion and employee engagement.”

- Curtis Fenton, Strategy Execution Senior Leader & National Employee Network Group Leader, RSM

“I'm so honored and pleased to have my work chosen and displayed in [RSM’s] offices! [Their] generosity of spirit in partnering with ArtLifting's artists like myself makes a positive and meaningful impact in our lives both professionally and personally, as well as financially!”

- Cheryl Kinderknecht, ArtLifting artist.

Iris by Chris Marinez, original artwork, hangs in a modern meeting room. Its striking gold tones stand out dramatically against the room’s neutral palette.

“The curated pieces create an environment where our people feel connected, valued, and inspired every day.”

- Curtis Fenton, Strategy Execution Senior Leader & National Employee Network Group Leader, RSM

ArtLifting’s approach to curating RSM Chicago’s new headquarters was strategic and deliberate. Understanding RSM’s vision of fostering a sense of calm, focus, and community connection, the selection process emphasized refined and elevated artworks that could thrive in a space with abundant natural light and transparent partitions. 

The ArtLifting collection resonated with RSM's identity as a leader in assurance, tax and consulting, while simultaneously contributing to a unified, sophisticated atmosphere. Working hand-in-hand with RSM and Interior Architects, ArtLifting navigated the complexities of a space dominated by glass walls and open environments, ensuring that the artworks fit the design aesthetic and worked well with the space’s physical constraints. 

The active involvement of RSM's HR and ENG teams was instrumental in the artwork selection process. The emphasis on representing artists and communities from many different backgrounds and experiences was essential to curating a collection to meaningfully resonate with RSM’s team members. The curated pieces, created by ArtLifting artists with disabilities, amplify underrepresented voices while making RSM’s values visible throughout the workplace.

ArtLifting’s curation was further inspired by the desire to tell powerful stories through art. Plaques accompanying each artwork provided context, resonating strongly with employees who appreciated the narratives of resilience and creativity. This blend of impactful visuals and storytelling transformed ordinary office spaces — conference rooms, board rooms, and corridors — into areas of meaningful connection, education, and conversation. 

The response was overwhelmingly positive. Employees expressed they were thrilled by the transformation, appreciating the storytelling elements that the artworks brought into conference rooms and communal areas.

Building upon the success at the Chicago HQ, RSM expanded the ArtLifting initiative to offices in Schaumberg, IL and Birmingham, AL.

The powerful and measurable social impacts we create are another essential component of the collaboration between RSM and ArtLifting. RSM is a leader in ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) consulting, advising organizations on how to do business sustainably with positive community outcomes.

By partnering with ArtLifting, RSM leverages corporate real estate for social impact. Following the collaboration at the Chicago HQ, RSM expanded the partnership — and their social impact — by purchasing more artwork by disabled artists for other locations.

The artwork is a meaningful reminder of RSM’s commitment to a more sustainable and inclusive society. Additionally, by integrating inclusion into their office design, RSM is showcasing to employees and visitors alike the importance of inclusion to the firm.

“Seeing how this initiative directly supports artists with disabilities while also being a physical demonstration of our inclusive culture makes it even more rewarding. Working with ArtLifting has been seamless, and we’re excited to continue expanding our impact together."

- Curtis Fenton, Strategy Execution Senior Leader & National Employee Network Group Leader, RSM

The collaboration with RSM has significantly transformed the lives of ArtLifting artists, providing both financial support and personal validation. This project impacted eighteen artists across the country, including Cheryl Kinderknecht and Barbara Barnett, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to RSM for the profound and multifaceted impact of their support — extending far beyond financial gain.

“This sale has helped me to continue paying off some debt from building my studio and to buy more art supplies. It also continues to validate my commitment to keep painting & keep healing.”

- Barbara Barnett, ArtLifting artist.

These testimonies emphasize the broader social impact of ArtLifting’s partnership with RSM. By investing in artworks created by individuals who have faced barriers to the art market, RSM has enhanced its physical workspace and made a powerful statement about the value of inclusivity and representation. 

This partnership is a clear win-win:  enhancing employee experience and engagement and empowering artists with disabilities, while showcasing RSM’s dedication to inclusion.

Images

1. Banner: Two large original artworks—Journey Road and Black and Gold by Barbara Barnett—hang in an open space at the top of the main staircase.  

2. Loft by Barbara Barnett, original artwork, hangs on a wall made of vertical wooden panels in a shared common area where employees gather to eat and socialize. Two RSM employees sit and chat at a table beneath the piece. 

3. Mind the Gap by Cheryl Kinderknecht, fine art paper print, is mounted on a dark grey wall in a hallway between two glass-walled meeting rooms. RSM employees are visible inside both rooms, working at their desks. 

4.  A-754 by Billy Megargel, original artwork measuring 72 inches wide, hangs in a spacious conference room. The sweeping grey and white brushstrokes of the piece echo the room’s calm, neutral palette of whites and greys, blending seamlessly with the contemporary furnishings. 

5. Risk Aware by Elizabeth Gauss, fine art paper print, is displayed on a dark grey hallway wall, just outside a small meeting room enclosed by glass walls. Inside, RSM employees are working. The piece stands out with subtle movement and color contrast against the dark backdrop. 

6. Untitled 4 by Yvette, original artwork, hangs above a sleek, minimalist credenza. The piece adds a touch of expressive energy to the otherwise refined and uncluttered space.