Advancing Inclusion through the Arts

Travelers invests millions of dollars annually to support arts and cultural organizations that help keep our communities vibrant and culturally enriched. We believe that arts and cultural organizations help drive economic growth, enhance learning and build multicultural understanding – leading to more accepting and inclusive communities.

Launched in 2019, Art Speaks is an employee-focused program that leverages Travelers’ investment in arts and cultural organizations to spark meaningful and thought-provoking dialogue around diversity and inclusion. This initiative engages employees in discussions that help drive civil discourse, encourage deep multicultural exploration and promote unity.

Through Art Speaks, employees have opportunities to enjoy in-person or virtual artistic experiences, followed by discussions led and facilitated by diversity and inclusion professionals, drawing on themes related to diversity, equity and inclusion. Arts and cultural experiences vary; employees are exposed to different forms of artistic expression, such as theater, visual arts, dance, photography and music.

In 2020, Travelers pivoted and began offering Art Speaks experiences virtually to employees. For example, through a partnership with the Norman Rockwell Museum, more than 600 Travelers employees learned about some of Norman Rockwell’s most iconic artwork and other illustrators’ works while discussing social justice, racial equity and women’s rights.

In 2021, Travelers hosted several virtual Art Speaks events focused on social justice and racial equity, including a discussion about Juneteenth in partnership with the Amistad Center for Art & Culture. Through a partnership with the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center, employees also had an opportunity to engage in a conversation about the intersection of music, race and history through a soundscape curated by DJ Q-BOOGIE that featured the musical selections and literary works of three iconic authors: Harriet Beecher Stowe, James Baldwin and historian Dr. Eddie S. Glaude Jr.

Community Benefits

• Arts and cultural organizations benefit from Travelers’ sponsorship and gain visibility among Travelers employees.
• In partnership with Travelers, these nonprofit organizations are developing their diversity, equity and inclusion curricula and building capacity for engaging other audiences in similar discussions.

Travelers Benefits

• Art Speaks supports Travelers’ ongoing efforts to build an inclusive culture through conversations and opportunities that bridge differences among employees with diverse life and career experiences.
• Feedback surveys from participating employees show that 90% feel the arts and cultural programs provide an effective tool for communicating themes related to diversity and inclusion.