Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a concept which does not have a universal definition. It is frequently connected with similar terms such as: corporate sustainability, corporate citizenship, business ethics and sustainability, corporate responsibility, etc. CSR covers the ways in which private sector (business companies) integrate social and environmental imperatives of their activities. It is connected with the level of responsibility for the impact of business activities on the environment, consumers, communities and stakeholders, mainly in the public sector. CSR involves also creation of innovative and proactive solutions to societal and environmental challenges.

An important surprising observation is that a vast majority of organizations, online platforms, publications on CSR do not mention arts and culture. It is not a priority or a focus in the programs, funds, discussions, news related to CSR globally. Isn’t it time to look at how arts, artists, cultural organizations and projects could take and maintain an important place in the CSR forefront? Doesn’t it worth to demonstrate to the corporate world the many good reasons why art should be considered as part of their corporate strategies and programs related to social responsibility? There is certainly a need to explore closer and more pragmatic possible mechanisms of strategic partnership between the arts world and the corporate world and to suggest opportunities of taking arts on board when discussing CSR among stakeholders at all levels – from international to local and organizational one.

Here is a selection of key websites, blogs and events related to corporate social responsibility. Have a look and find out ways to include arts and culture on their agenda and program priorities:

Organisations and online platforms:

3BL Media: http://3blmedia.com/theCSRminute

Daily video digest of the most relevant CSR and Sustainability news and can be seen on the 3BL Media CSR Network – the largest network of CSR channels across the internet, Reuters Insider and here on the 3BL Media website. The 3BL team scours the global media to cover some of the most important events and news in the world of CSR. The site offers a compilation of leading bloggers on CSR: http://3blmedia.com/blog

CSR Europe: http://www.csreurope.org/

The leading European business network for corporate social responsibility with around 75 multinational corporations and 25 national partner organisations as members. Its mission is to support member companies in integrating CSR into the way they do business, every day.

CSRwire: http://www.csrwire.com/

A leading source of corporate social responsibility and sustainability news, reports, events and information. Members are interested in communicating their corporate citizenship, sustainability, and socially responsible initiatives to a global audience. You can become member of the community by sharing your articles, videos and viewpoints.

Eldis: http://www.eldis.org/

An online tool for sharing the best in development, policy, practice and research.  The website offers an ever-growing collection of more than 26 000 editorially selected and abstracted online documents and publications from more than 7,500 different publishers. You can create a profile, interact with members, view diverse sources by region, look for a job.

Center for Corporate Sustainability: http://www.centerforcorporatesustainability.org/

A non-profit corporation dedicated to serving those carrying out the sustainability and environmental initiatives of major corporations throughout the world. The Center conducts live and web-based educational events, designed to connect people and promote the sharing of knowledge and best practices.

Social Innovation Conversation: http://sic.conversationsnetwork.org/

This interactive website offers social change ideas through audio lectures, speaker series, and conference recordings. Download free podcasts on social entrepreneurship, environmental sustainability, philanthropy, corporate social responsibility, responsible investing, and more.

Canadian Business for Corporate Social Responsibility – http://www.cbsr.ca/

Founded in 1995, Canadian Business for Social Responsibility (CBSR) is a non-profit, member-led organization that mobilizes Canadian companies to make powerful business decisions that improve performance and contribute to a better world.  The globally recognized source for corporate social responsibility in Canada, CBSR is the Canadian representative in a world-wide network committed to corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Industry Canada CSR website – http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/csr-rse.nsf/eng/home

The website includes:an overview with a complete description of corporate social responsibility principles and practices; a range of useful tools for companies interested in advancing their corporate social responsibility practices; the business case for corporate social responsibility and descriptions of selected initiatives by industry; Industry Canada Actions and Partnerships; guidance for sustainable purchasing; and links for further research.

European Commission CSR website – http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/policies/sustainable-business/corporate-social-responsibility/index_en.htm

In October 2011 the European Commission published a new policy on corporate social responsibility. It states that to fully meet their social responsibility, enterprises “should have in place a process to integrate social, environmental, ethical and human rights concerns into their business operations and core strategy in close collaboration with their stakeholders”. The aim is both to enhance positive impacts – for example through the innovation of new products and services that are beneficial to society and enterprises themselves – and to minimise and prevent negative impacts. The new policy was welcomed by EU Member States in the Competitiveness Council in December 2011. The Commission’s policy puts forward an agenda for action covering the period 2011-2014 (see the website).

CSR Bloggers:

David Coeticha’s blog: http://davidcoethica.wordpress.com/

The Business Ethics Blog, by Chris MacDonalds: http://www.businessethics.ca/blog/

CSR International Blog: http://csrinternational.blogspot.com/

CSR Reporting -http://csr-reporting.blogspot.com/

Fabian Pattberg’s Blog -http://www.fabianpattberg.com/

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Read this blog also on LabforCulture: http://www.labforculture.org/en/moderators/lidia-varbanova/51495/53669