Art & Community in Hospitality: How the Arts Drive Connection and Business
Written by Kara Hoblin, Director of Guest Culture, Sound View Greenport; Artist
Creativity thrives where community and curiosity meet. In hospitality, we aim to create those rare moments of inspiration everyday experiences that form core memories and bring us closer to ourselves and each other.
That is the heart of the Uncommon Art Residency. What began as an intimate, week-long retreat on the shores of the Long Island Sound has grown into something much larger: a movement that proves art doesn’t just belong in galleries. It belongs in the everyday, woven into the fabric of place. It belongs everywhere. It also highlights the vital role hotels can play in shaping community and delivering meaningful, lasting guest experiences.
"According to G20 reports, the creative economy is valued at US$985 billion, with Deloitte forecasting a 40% growth rate by 2030.”
Through the Uncommon Art Residency, we have seen how welcoming artists into hospitality spaces does more than change the aesthetic or beautify a space. It deepens the guest experience, sparks authentic engagement, and supports long-term business growth. Investing in the arts not only enhances a property’s cultural identity, but it also strengthens its reputation and drives value through unforgettable, one-of-a-kind encounters. According to G20 reports, the creative economy is valued at US $985 billion, with Deloitte forecasting a 40% growth rate by 2030. These are not just creative endeavors. They are strategic and sustainable investments in connection, culture, and guest experience.
Embedding Art in Hospitality
Why It Matters: The Business Case for Creative Engagement
For hotel owners and managers, this kind of program offers more than cultural enrichment. They help a property stand out, foster stronger guest loyalty, and cultivate meaningful connections with the surrounding community. Guests aren't just checking in for a stay, they're participating in something greater. They are engaging with artists, encountering their work, and creating lasting connections. These kinds of experiences elevate guest satisfaction and naturally fuel word-of-mouth momentum including:
• Increasing Revenue: Integrating art into hospitality spaces has been shown to enhance guest satisfaction and increase revenue: a recent study showed visual art in hospitality can influence guests' perceptions and behaviors, leading to higher satisfaction and increased spending.
• Fostering Local Collaboration: By connecting with regional artists, hotels become a hub for creative tourism, attracting not only leisure travelers but also local patrons and media attention.
• Enhancing Guest Experience: Properties that integrate creative programming see higher engagement, better reviews, and repeat guests. A study by MNTN Research found that 70% of travelers are interested in cultural immersion.
Scaling a Creative Model Across a Portfolio
