Arts and Business Partnership Awards Spotlight: Jiffy Lube of Indiana

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Since 1985, Jiffy Lube of Indiana has been committed to the philosophy of "Growing People Through Work" and to the reality that "Every Part Matters.” Their award-winning "Growing People Through Work” initiative is focused on uplifting team members both in their careers and in their personal lives. The “Every Part Matters” mural project began in 2016 when Indiana franchisee, Steve Sanner, was looking for a way to curb graffiti tagging at his store in Broad Ripple, an artistic and cultural hub in Indianapolis.  A friend suggested painting a mural to beautify the neighborhood, support the work of local artists, and simultaneously deter the taggers. The graffiti experience opened Sanner’s eyes to the positive effects of public art, and Jiffy Lube of Indiana has been on an incredible journey ever since.

Jiffy Lube initially commissioned murals for three of its stores in tandem with the Department of Public Words, a small team of artists and public art enthusiasts. The success of these murals caught the attention of the Arts Council of Indianapolis who joined in to coordinate a comprehensive program of murals; completing six in 2018, with five more being completed in the summer of 2019. Sanner’s team has identified 40 of his 49 stores as having enough visible wall space for murals, so it will take 3-4 more years to complete the project.  

The artists and the Arts Council of Indianapolis work collaboratively with the community to determine the subject matter of the murals, aiming to make the murals a focal point for the community and capture its essence. The original murals were even painted by the community, using paint by number stencils, at a Luke Bryan concert, an independent bookstore, and a Jiffy Lube parking lot. Employees who participated have been inspired to share their own creativity, which convinced the company to cover the cost of introductory art classes and programming for team members and their families in 2019.

One of the most exciting additions to the 2019 mural project is the formation of a Young Artist Apprentice Program. The Arts Council of Indianapolis has chosen two emerging artists to be mentored by longtime public art advocate and muralist, Muhammed “ISH” Nieves, as they create a mural entitled Three Kings for a Jiffy Lube on the northwest side of Indianapolis. “Growing Artists Through Work” fits perfectly with Jiffy Lube’s own mission and is yet another serendipitous result from this project.

Additionally, Jiffy Lube of Indiana has been active sponsors of the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Indiana Historical Society, Jiffy Lube Country Megaticket concert series, Indianapolis Art Center’s Broad Ripple Art Fair, and Indiana Sports Corp’s Indy Ultimate event. Many of these sponsorships also provide the opportunity for team members to attend arts and cultural events to further their personal growth.

Through the mural program, Jiffy Lube sets an example of how businesses can contribute and support the community in creative ways not typically associated with their specific line of business. Outside of enlivening the workplace and community, the mural project has helped the company attract new customers and embrace new markets. While the results of this program have played a key role in producing record sales and profits, it’s the lasting legacy that Jiffy Lube is creating, by “growing people” and improving communities, that is so much more meaningful.

Americans for the Arts is excited to honor Jiffy Lube of Indiana at the Arts and Business Partnership Awards on Thursday, October 3 in New York City.

Jiffy Lube of Indiana was nominated by Arts Council of Indiana.

Mural on Allisonville Road location, painted and created by Carl Leck.