Christie's puts its art and soul into communities

Art is naturally at the core of what constitutes corporate social responsibility at Christie's, one of the world's top auction houses.

Toby Usnik, the company's chief corporate social responsibility officer and international director, said it operates a series of different philanthropic initiatives, aimed at not only helping worthy causes but also engendering social awareness among its own staff.

Whether facilitating the sale of artwork to benefit important causes, offering its salerooms as venues for fund-raising events, or providing expert charity auctioneers, Usnik said Christie's believes passionately in the power of art to society.