Would your strategy documents, presentations and communications speak of innovation, ambition, shared values and a thriving culture, or would they be a confusing jumble, revealing little about who you were, what you were striving for or what you stood for?
It's often said that art is what sets great civilisations apart from millennia of forgotten settlements. Throughout history, the art of civilisations has resonated through the ages, and defined the ideas that made them so 'great'. The cave paintings of Lascaux, the mosaics of Pompeii, the towering statues of Easter Island weren’t just decoration - they were declarations. Powerful statements of identity, values and vision.
All the artefacts of our working life build a picture of who we are and what we do all day. (Think of that email you just sent as the 21st century equivalent of a roughly whittled Iron Age spoon!). But creating art that communicate who we are, the challenges we face and what drives us to face them - that is the basis of something far more valuable. And it is something that all organisations (and civilisations) have at their disposal.
Art = Culture
Within organisations, “art” can take many forms: From the design of your workspace, to the way you communicate your strategy and the stories you tell your audiences. These aren’t secondary details - they’re central to shaping how you’re perceived, both inside and out.
“Culture isn’t just spoken—it’s seen. The strongest organisations bridge the gap between strategy and understanding through visual storytelling. When people can see, grasp, and rally behind a shared vision, engagement and alignment follow.”
Dan Porter, Scriberia
According to Scriberia's Dan Porter: "Culture isn’t just spoken—it’s seen. The strongest organisations bridge the gap between strategy and understanding through visual storytelling. When people can see, grasp, and rally behind a shared vision, engagement and alignment follow."
Victorian writer and art critic John Ruskin once said that the greatness of a society is reflected in the quality of its art and architecture. While he was, of course, speaking about the works of his time, the same principle applies to organisations today: the "artifacts" you create - emails, slide decks, presentations - are a reflection of your values, vision and identity. Are they intentional, coherent and reflective of your mission? Or do they feel scattered and unclear? Every piece of communication you produce adds to your cultural narrative, whether you realise it or not.
How visual culture builds a lasting organisational legacy
Unlike ancient civilisations, you don’t need centuries to make your mark. By intentionally shaping your culture through visuals, you can create a workplace where values are clear, communication thrives and creativity inspires action. Your organisation’s culture becomes something your team can see, relate to and live by.
Dan emphasises: “Organisations that invest in visual culture don’t just communicate better; they lead better. Visuals clarify, align and engage in a way that words alone often fail to do. They make ideas stick and strategies succeed.”
He adds: “Art has always played a crucial role in tying together the threads of culture, elevating the things that mattered, and unifying people around shared values. The same applies to the smaller cultures we build at work. Visual storytelling helps teams see their place in the bigger picture, reinforcing a sense of belonging and purpose.”
Here are some ways to start:
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Make your values visible. Don’t just write your mission statement; show it. Incorporate your values into visuals, workspace design and daily practices.
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Show, don’t tell. Use visuals to clarify dry or complicated concepts. When done well, they engage and resonate far more than text alone.
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Celebrate creatively. Mark achievements and milestones with timelines, infographics or celebratory visuals to boost morale and pride.
Art has always been at the heart of culture and civilisation. By harnessing the power of visuals and storytelling, your organisation has the same opportunity to craft a legacy that reflects your unique identity, values and vision.
