Diversity and art

Art is a source of diversity. It drives interaction, creativity and innovation

At PepsiCo’s HQ in Purchase, NY, we are surrounded by expansive grounds of greenery, a lake, an impressive collection of sculptures placed among a carefully designed landscape garden. We have Donald M. Kendall, our founder, a true visionary to thank.

Don Kendall had great passion for art, supporting emerging artists and the community. In the 1970s, Don Kendall started acquiring sculptures, including 20th century masters such as Alexander Calder, Jean Dubuffet, Alberto Giacometti, Joan Miró, Henry Moore, Louise Nevelson, and Auguste Rodin. Legendary British landscape designer Russell Page created a living outdoor art gallery through his landscape design. Each sculpture is carefully placed in harmony with the larger landscape.

Our art collection is full of diversity and comes from artists around the world. Among my favorites are the three totem poles commissioned from Canadian artist Robert Davidson, a Haida Native American. Don Kendall comes from the Northwest and has a great personal interest in Native American art and wanted something in our headquarters which represented that part of the country. There is huge respect for diversity and culture.  

Having art around us drive interaction and creativity. Each of us have a different interpretation of an art piece and that creates dialogue between employees. It was all part of Don Kendall’s intent. His hopes for art to spark creativity and innovation in our work is evident in our brands and the work we do. LIFEWTR is a great example. There is so much to talk about on diversity, innovation in relations to our brands. I will do that in my next article.