How the arts need to respond to corporate social responsibility

Business funding for the arts comes from two main sources; marketing spend such as sponsorships where the business derives a clear branding benefit, and from corporate community investment budgets. Community investment is a distinct part of CSR and relates to a company’s commitment to the community via the contribution of finance and skills. Companies often use their community investment activities as a way of contributing to solving social problems. These activities often form the front end of a company’s communication about responsible corporate behaviour. Community investment plays an important role in CSR, but it should be understood as a distinct part of a company’s wider CSR strategy.