The following is part of our Business Spotlight series that highlights the work of some of our key business partners. Here, we interview Henry Kurkowski, CEO and Co-Founder of One Wifi. Keep reading to learn about this business leader and his connection to the arts!

What was your most meaningful arts experience?

My most meaningful arts experience was a special performance of Carmina Burana. This all-live performance utilized composer Carl Orff's own arrangement for piano duet and percussion and brought together six different performing arts organizations for a collaborative work of epic proportions.

The choreography was jaw dropping, the music was powerful, the singing moved through my body like waves on an ocean. What was even more moving was that so many artists from different companies all came together on one stage to create and express their various art forms. Each of the artists’ talent and performance was made stronger by the others being there. It was truly a thing of beauty to behold and I feel privileged to have experienced it.

How do you believe the arts are transformational—personally, professionally, and/or in your community?

I have written quite a bit about the transformational power of the arts and it is nothing short of awe inspiring. As individuals, once you experience an artistic work you are forever changed. It can open minds to new perspectives while creating a stronger sense of empathy for people and their situations that you may not have felt previously. It creates a deeper connection to the world, and that helps us think and feel emotions about the things that truly matter in life. Experiencing the arts broadens us as people and expands our minds to accept new ideas and buried emotional connections.

I have found that a consistent engagement with the arts and employees is a powerful strategy to retain talented people while keeping up innovation and productivity.

In my professional life, I have seen what the power of the arts in the workplace can accomplish with employees. It has been a key factor in employee engagement and in keeping up team morale. I have also witnessed the measurable impact the arts have on company team members regarding critical thinking, creativity, and productivity. At my office we consistently rotate out works of art that are displayed in common areas. When a new piece arrives, I take the time to discuss the work and the artist with everyone. I often find that as they pass by the artwork in their day-to-day activities, they will stop and look at the piece, often discussing it with others with smiles on their faces and increased energy in their voices.

I regularly will spring for tickets to performances, concerts, or exhibits for our team members, either as a group or a pair of tickets for a specific team member and their guest. I always ask what they thought of the event afterwards. I will get a gush of positive feedback about the ways they were personally moved by what they experienced. They go into detail of memories that may have been invoked and feelings that may have bubbled up. Typically, this will result in the team coming up with new ideas about a project that they are currently working on, and they tackle their assignments with more vigor and enthusiasm. I have found that a consistent engagement with the arts and employees is a powerful strategy to retain talented people while keeping up innovation and productivity. It develops more well-rounded team members, and that helps the whole team become more synergistic.

In my community, I have watched the arts improve the quality of life for the residents of central Indiana. A vibrant arts scene attracts great workforce talent, which attracts employers. It also has helped enhance our overall tourism product, which attracts meeting planners and event coordinators. This results in more conventions being booked for Indianapolis and brings more people to our city. All of this attracts more business, creates more job opportunities, and increases revenue for city services. It’s a beautiful circle of life with the arts at the heart of it all.

Who is your artistic inspiration?

My artistic inspiration is my dear friend David Hochoy, who was a soloist and rehearsal director of Martha Graham Dance Company. He has gone on to teach dance at many notable institutions around the world. He is now celebrating his 27th season as the Artistic Director for Indianapolis’s premiere modern dance company, Dance Kaleidoscope, where I have had the privilege to serve as president of the board of trustees.

David’s passion for his work is obvious in every piece that he choreographs. He has an incredible artistic vision that goes well beyond the discipline of dance. On top of that, he is a fierce advocate for the arts. I remember when I first met David that he impressed me with his passion for what he does. We were having lunch at a mutual friend’s home and one of the very first things that David asked me from across the table was if I supported the arts. That led into a table-wide discussion, and it also led me on a path to getting deeply involved with the arts in Indiana. He continues to inspire me and many others with his love and enthusiasm for the arts.