Mobilizing community involvement through the arts.
Uber may be an internationally known brand, but the company is also very much a part of the communities where it has offices. Since opening its Phoenix office in 2012, Uber has tapped into the city’s talented arts community for philanthropic and promotional initiatives.
Uber commissioned local artist Timmy Ham, who produced two large murals for the company’s downtown Phoenix Center of Excellence office.
Uber also has collaborated with Hamm on chalk art projects to promote the brand around the ASU Downtown campus, and to celebrate its milestone three-year anniversary in Phoenix.
Through “Uber in the Community” philanthropic initiatives, the company is bringing mural art into Phoenix Elementary schools. Employees, drivers, artists, and students painted the murals, contributing to a greater sense of identity, bridging social capital, and promoting creativity.
Uber also collaborates with local filmmakers on the production of video series, and supports the local culinary arts scene through a variety of initiatives.
“Whenever we can tap into the local community, we do,” says Senior Marketing Manager Gabe Williams. According to Williams, the single most positive impact stemming from engaging with the arts community is “being aware of the individual artists in the community, the change-makers who are transforming Phoenix into a more vibrant city.”
The benefits of Uber’s initiatives are internal as well. In addition to its contributions that make Phoenix a great place to live, work, and play, Uber is attracting employees of the highest caliber, who think creatively, and push the boundaries of what is being done in the industry.
