Kohler's support of the arts stems, in part, from the realization that engineers and manufacturers can make significant contributions to design. Management recognizes the value of art in industry. It looks at the arts as a frontier of what the future holds, and its support of artistic creativity reflects a conscientious response to realistic needs while illustrating the positive aspects of business' relationship to and concern for society. Management also believes that the reciprocity of technological information is an integral part of a continuing dialogue between arts and industry.

Since 1974, Kohler has encouraged this type of dialogue by opening the doors of its pottery and iron foundry to internationally recognized artists. On a year-round basis, artists work side by side with Kohler craftsmen, utilizing industrial technology on projects of their own choosing. The free exchange of techniques and ideas that occurs in this residency program has opened whole new avenues of creative expression for the artists and strengthened the bonds between Kohler craftsmen and the artistic community.