Exclusive for Your Company

Business ArtTalks

New settings stimulate different conversations. ArtTalks offer firms, agencies and affiliated groups a distinctive alternative to classic team or networking events. In museum spaces, people step out of routines and into guided dialogue shaped by art, observation, and lively exchange.

Led by art historian and certified ICF coach Karla Schlaepfer, ArtTalks combine cultural expertise with a coaching-inspired and Design Thinking-informed facilitation style. Professional, engaging, and accessible. No art background required.

Why companies choose Business ArtTalks

Art creates necessary distance. It disrupts familiar thinking patterns and loosens hierarchical dynamics. When people look at art together, they practice skills central to collaboration: observing without immediate judgment, listening to different interpretations, building on others’ perspectives.

Business ArtTalks are especially well suited for:

• Team offsites or team resets
• Leadership and management gatherings
• Client or partner events
• International or cross-functional teams
• Corporate anniversaries or special occasions

The museum becomes a neutral ground where status matters less than curiosity. Conversations become less guarded, more exploratory.

What ArtTalks participants say

„Karla Schlaepfer schafft von Anfang an eine sehr vertrauensvolle Atmosphäre. Es ist ihr mit ihrem ArtTalks Seminar gelungen, das anspruchsvolle Thema witzig und motivierend zu vermitteln und den Teilnehmern sehr praxisnahe Werkzeuge zur Verfügung zu stellen. Sie zeigte die Kunst der spielerischen Reflexion, die sowohl psychologische als auch philosophische Aspekte einbezog.“

“After a short time, you feel included. Even when people don’t know each other well, real conversations emerge.”

What makes Business ArtTalks different

• Small groups (max. 15 participants) for meaningful exchange
• Structured, dialogic facilitation rooted in questioning, not telling
• Coaching-inspired methods that invite reflection
• English or German sessions
• 15+ years experience facilitating teams, offering public ArtTalks since 2008 in Bonn’s Bundeskunsthalle, Wuppertal, and now exclusively in Cologne

Each ArtTalk is prepared individually and adapted to your business, group, context, and occasion. Karla can shape the ArtTalks to serve your purpose, not the other way around.

Bookable formats

Business Team ArtTalk

A shared museum experience that supports dialogue, reflection, and connection within teams. Useful when teams need to reset dynamics, integrate new members, or simply think together differently with a boost of fresh input.

Business Networking or Client ArtTalk

Art as a natural conversation starter beyond small talk. Ideal for client or partner events where genuine exchange matters more than transactional networking. The world-famous Museum Ludwig provides an attractive and exclusive setting for inspiring conversations.

Executive Leadership Reflection ArtTalk

For leadership teams who want to pause, observe, and think together in a new context. Particularly valuable during transitions, strategic shifts, or when teams need space to process complexity. See ArtTalk Specials for more variation on Coaching and Creativity.

Innovation or Visual Learning ArtTalk

Where suitable, ArtTalks can be designed as Design Thinking-inspired formats. Art becomes a structured stimulus for reframing questions, exploring perspectives, and developing creative ideas. Works well for innovation workshops, team brainstorming sessions, or visual learning journeys.

FAQ

Are these Business ArtTalks events suitable for people without art knowledge?

Yes. ArtTalks are designed for curiosity, not expertise. The focus is on looking and thinking together, not art history knowledge.

Is this a training or workshop?

ArtTalks are guided conversations by default, focused on shared observation and dialogue. However, they can also be designed as Design Thinking-inspired formats with clear outcomes: insights, frameworks, or boosts to get ideas for prototypes.

Can the ArtTalk reflect our business, company or occasion?

Yes. Each ArtTalk is tailored to your context. Themes such as innovation, leadership, change, or collaboration can be woven into the experience through careful selection of artworks and guiding questions.

Are Business ArtTalks suitable for international teams?

Absolutely. Sessions are available in English or German. The visual nature of art makes it particularly effective across language and cultural backgrounds. Karla is versed in intercultural communication.

Where do Business ArtTalks take place?

In selected museums in Cologne, including world famous Museum Ludwig, Wallraf-Richartz and Rautenstrauch-Joest Museum. Karla Schlaepfer has been leading museum-based dialogues since 2008, first in Bonn’s Bundeskunsthalle and Wuppertal, and now works exclusively with Cologne institutions.

Curious if an ArtTalk is right for your team or clients?

Let’s explore what fits your occasion!

👉 Schedule a short call to discuss your ArtTalk (15–20 minutes, no obligation)