Art and culture serve as crucial catalysts in addressing global challenges – and present a unique opportunity to enhance creativity, innovation, and employee retention in businesses. A brand-new Danish award is now set to celebrate this!
Merete Otillia Knudsen
CEO & Founder,
Erhvervslivets Kulturpris and Danish Club
Behind the Business Culture Award is Merete Otillia Knudsen, who is also the founder and director of Danish Club, a club-based cultural universe.
She has lived abroad for several years and worked for major Danish companies in strategy, marketing, and business development.
Since 2016, she has been an entrepreneur focusing on the promotion and appreciation of Danish art and cultural heritage.
Merete Otillia Knudsen holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (Cand. Merc.)
Art plays a key role in creating inspiring work environments, fostering new perspectives, and driving innovation.
This is the belief of Merete Otillia Knudsen, the initiator behind a new Danish award celebrating the importance of art in the corporate world.
“As a society, we are facing several global challenges which require us to think in new, different, and innovative ways. Art and culture serve as important catalysts in this process,” she emphasizes.
“With three million people in the Danish workforce, business leaders/owners have a unique opportunity to highlight the potential of art and culture as a driving force for creativity, innovation, product development, change management, and differentiation. Additionally, they serve as catalysts for employee loyalty, inclusion and learning.”
Celebrating innovation and influence
Merete Otillia Knudsen has spent many years working to create synergies between the business and cultural sectors – and with this new award, she aims to honor those who excel in this endeavor.
“The new award is designed to recognize and celebrate the most innovative and influential collaborations between the corporate world and the art world, in Denmark. The nominees are private Danish companies acting as role models for others, by consciously integrating and utilizing art,” she explains.
Not just about aesthetics
The mission of the award, which has the Danish Chamber of Commerce onboard as a partner, is to inspire more businesses to support and integrate art and culture into their business strategies.
“We need to bring art and culture to the agenda of top executives. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s a force that can open new perspectives and drive innovation. In the end, the result is stronger leadership and a more engaging work environment,” the founder points out.
Part of the corporate narrative
A total of 35 companies will be nominated across five categories. Among the nominees are several well-known Danish businesses as well as smaller companies.
The focus is on companies that have made art an active part of their corporate narrative and identity.
“What these companies have in common is that they demonstrate how art can create value for the business as a whole. This could be through an art collection that employees and customers encounter daily or by developing collaborations with artists on specific projects that promote innovation and fresh thinking,” says Merete Otillia Knudsen.
Brings value and new perspectives to the company
Dansk Wilton is proud and honored to be one of the nominees:
“The owners of Dansk Wilton have a strong passion for art and culture, which has always been a significant part of Dansk Wilton’s identity. This is reflected in everything from the integration of our significant Poul Gadegaard sculpture in our logo to our collaborations with artists. Working with artists brings value to us as a company, both by offering new perspectives on carpet design and by shaping our self-understanding; there is great pride associated with these artistic collaborations,” says Marketing Manager of Dansk Wilton, Lone Ditmer.
The event will take place on 8 May 2025 in Copenhagen.
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