When we started Artfinder, we didn't know what a big difference it would make. So far we have paid out nearly $30m to artists in over 100 countries, in our mission to make art affordable, accessible and a viable career for artists.
But this is just the beginning! Today, I'm pleased to announce that Artfinder is soon to become the world's first art business to be independently certified as a B Corporation. This means that we're joining a community of other businesses on their quest to make a positive social and environmental impact on the world. We know that businesses need to dramatically rethink their ways to fight social injustice and climate change.
What is a B Corporation?
B Corporation certification is an independent third-party recognition by the non-profit organisation B Lab. As explained by Forbes this process is designed to certify companies “for their true, honest, and effective commitment towards using business as a force for good — both environmentally and socially.”
As B Lab explain: “Certified B Corporations are businesses that meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose. B Corps are accelerating a global culture shift to redefine success in business and build a more inclusive and sustainable economy."
Why are we doing this?
There are many reasons to become a B Corp. Some key ones include:
1. Lock-in our mission
Changes to our company constitution ensure that our mission to make art accessible, affordable and a viable career is locked in and solidified in our "Articles of Association".
2. Deliver for the community and the environment
Certification ensures that all stakeholders (including artists, customers and employees) as well as the environment are considered when making key business decisions.
3. Join the new business movement
Recognising that old ways of doing business are not fit for the 21st century. We want Artfinder to be at the forefront of this new ethical business movement.
4. Hire and retain passionate, talented people
With so many professionals actively searching for ethical companies to join, being a B Corp will help us hire and retain passion aligned talent in the future.
5. Give back to the community
Being a B Corp means we don’t just do business, but also do good. We’ll ensure that Artfinder gives back to the community it serves through charitable work and regular contributions.
6. Commitment to continuous improvement
Becoming a B Corp is not a one-off exercise, but instead a commitment to a long-term journey of continuous improvement. It’s a shift that will define how we operate as a business for years to come. Every B Corp needs to be re-certified every three years, with an overall expectation that the score will go up, so the bar is set high. In essence, we commit to improving Artfinder as a platform that works not just for shareholders, but for the environment and everyone else involved here in the community.
What’s next?
We’re now in the process of preparing our application. This includes identifying areas in which we need to improve in the short- and long-term. We’re also designing a plan of action to ensure that we continue to improve our positive social impact after certification. We hope to complete the certification process within the next few months.
We’re proud to be on this journey with you
We're incredibly proud of the amazing platform and community we’ve created together. We would not be here without our community of artists and customers and we would love you to join us on this new journey to becoming a better business for our artists, customers, team and of course, our one and only planet Earth.
Yours uniquely,
Michal & The Artfinder Team
Header image credit. Kev Munday
