In 2020, Ipsen collaborated with ArtLifting to redesign its Cambridge, MA office, focusing on the evolving demands of a post-pandemic workplace. The Ipsen team aimed to strengthen community connections as staff returned to the office.

By integrating an artwork rotation throughout their space, applying innovative solutions like licensing artwork for custom curtains, and spotlighting local talent, Ipsen created an environment that inspires its employees and directly supports the artists with disabilities.

- John Lynch, Head of Facilities, Ipsen Cambridge

Bridging Employees and Local Communities

John Lynch, Ipsen Cambridge’s Head of Facilities, partnered with ArtLifting on a multi-year art rotation program. Having received feedback from employees concerned that corporate artwork might feel static and disconnected, a rotation ensured  the office would feel refreshed and dynamic year-round. 

ArtLifting’s collection for the rotation featured works by local artists like Nick Morse, Allen Chamberland, and Scott Benner, with many pieces drawing inspiration from Boston landmarks to deepen the connection between employees and the city they work in.

This strong connection between artwork, artist, employee, and space is illustrated by a painting in the rotation created by a local artist. The piece reflected the Cambridge skyline, which mirrored the view outside Ipsen’s office and offered both a literal and emotional connection to the city. It engaged employees and fostered a sense of belonging during a time of significant change, reminding them of their shared environment and deepening their connection to the local community.

"Beyond just enhancing our design, the artwork created a deeper connection between our employees and their surroundings," said John when reflecting on the partnership. "The thoughtful curation and local talent brought a unique energy to the space, and it was incredibly rewarding to support artists while creating a more vibrant, inspiring environment for our team."

Image: Curtains with Allen Chamberland’s artwork licensed on them cover glass-walled offices. Photography by Michael Madden.

Functional Elegance with Creative Art Applications

A key element of Ipsen’s office redesign was the construction of 20 glass-walled offices. These offices were the site of sensitive research but the team did not want to sacrifice privacy for impactful design. Therefore, Ipsen chose a more creative and flexible solution: curtains… with a creative twist!

To ensure the design aligned with the rest of the office’s aesthetic and the rotating artwork collection, Ipsen licensed ArtLifting artwork by Allen Chamberland for the draperies. ArtLifting curators worked closely with designers at Twenty2 Wallpapers + Textiles, along with Michelle Yack, Director of Design at OTJ, and Amy Braun, Senior Advisor for Project Management at Cresa, to bring their vision to life.

Allen Chamberland is a Boston-based artist known for his intricate papercut renderings of local landmarks. His delicate works, originally created from a single sheet of paper using an X-Acto knife, were enlarged and set against a blue background that echoed Ipsen’s branding.  This choice resulted in a beautiful and functional design that strengthens Ipsen’s brand identity, reinforces their goal of fostering a connection to the local community, and inspires employees through the art surrounding them.

Image: Smooth Sundays by Susan Stemple Kubes, and Cretan Scape 4 by Christina Constantine hang in a hallway. Photography by Michael Madden.

Inspiring Hope and Resilience Through Art

Ipsen’s collaboration with ArtLifting  emerged during a time of heightened uncertainty, particularly concerning the future of in-person work  and community resilience. As the pandemic reshaped how people interacted in physical spaces, Ipsen set out to redesign its office in ways that were functional, safe, and also fostered connection

For artist Susan Stemple Kubes, whose artwork is featured in the rotation, this collaboration holds deep emotional significance. “One very bright spot in my life these days, for which I am extremely grateful, is the financial help and encouraging validation from my friends at Ipsen and Artlifting,” Susan shared. “How blessed to have income at such a time, to know that these possibilities are still open to me.”

By prioritizing inclusive art strategies in their office redesign, Ipsen maximized their impact, extending far beyond the physical walls of their workspace. Their collaboration with ArtLifting generated much-needed income for disabled artists during a time of economic uncertainty.

Additionally, by actively listening to employee needs for a refreshed office environment and incorporating local connections into the design, Ipsen created an inspiring workspace where employees felt comfortable and excited—especially while navigating the challenges of post-pandemic work life.

Images

1. Banner: Untitled 31 and Untitled 34 by Boston-based artist Scott Benner hang in a hallway. Photography by Michael Madden.
2. Print reproductions of Ronnie’s Bridgeport and Japanese Garden IV hang in a hallway. Photography by Michael Madden.
3. Curtains with Allen Chamberland’s artwork licensed on them cover glass-walled offices. Photography by Michael Madden.
4. Three artworks line an office hallway: White Flowers by Mia Brown, Water's Mist by Jackie Calabrese, and Sun by Kevin Hosseini. Photography by Michael Madden.
5. Splashes of Blue by Suzanne Hellums hangs alongside Perspective by Marc in a hallway. Photography by Michael Madden.
6. Untitled 31 and Untitled 34 by Boston-based artist Scott Benner hang in a hallway. Photography by Michael Madden.