By Aliki Tsirliagkou
In my career I’ve worked closely with artists, architects, and developers, bringing art into spaces where people stay, connect and remember. In that time, I’ve learned that art doesn’t just enhance a space, it defines how people feel inside it.
In hospitality, art isn’t an afterthought; as it carries meaning, it reflects identity and sparks emotion. It creates an experience.
Intentional curation & art
What makes an artwork right for a space isn’t just its aesthetic qualities, it’s the way it belongs. That sense of belonging comes from listening: to the place, to the people, to the rhythm of the architecture. It comes from collaborating with artists who understand how to create presence without noise. It’s about balance.
One project, on Kea island, reminded me of the strength of restraint. The resort’s architecture was striking, clean, elemental. Our task wasn’t to add more. It was to offer depth. We curated a series of works that emerged quietly, often subtly, and always in dialogue with their surroundings. The result was a layered experience: nothing overstated, but everything intentional. That’s what the right art curation does in a hospitality setting. It doesn’t demand attention.
The ROI of art in hospitality
When art is integrated early, when it’s part of the vision, not just the finishing touch, it becomes a language. It helps tell the story of the brand in ways words can’t. And it gives designers and developers another tool: one that works through feeling, memory and atmosphere.
I believe in doing this work with care and intention. When art is embedded in the early stages of development, it becomes a powerful lever for emotional engagement, brand distinction and guest loyalty. The guest may only stay for a weekend, but the impression can last a lifetime and in the most successful properties, that emotional imprint translates into repeat visits, stronger reviews and lasting value. That’s the real ROI of meaningful art integration.
