Governance

Updated August 2020

Here is our mission statement & latest work:

IDST! Invisible Small Town Artists and Makers – Community Artworks 

IDST! is an unincorporated group set up as follows:

Unincorporated Group Constitution of IDST!

Information below:

CONSTITUTION OF IDST!:

1. Name

The name of the group shall be IDST!

(and where it is not possible to use the exclamation mark, IDST)

2. Aim

To form a group of people with different skills, experiences and ideas working  together to make original transdisciplinary community artworks / actions /  workshops / games / events (the work).

To research and practise innovatory strategies and techniques (as well as tools) for  communities to produce the work, extending to, but not limited to the fields of community  live art, immersive, interactive and participatory experiences, performances, play and live  games. (the research).

To support and represent a community of makers and further the fields of  knowledge around the work and the research. (the community of practice).

To support and represent the wellbeing, health and happiness of communities that  participate and live where the group works. The work aims to bring out and celebrate the  talents and resources of this group and improve the places where we live and work  through participation. (the local community).

The group will benefit:

-The people of Cheshire East and surrounding areas (of 20 miles radius) – as well as  improvement of their public spaces and economy.

– Existing local artist /technical / engineering communities and practitioners as well as  people who want to make things happen!

-The wider artistic community of practice, particularly makers of live art, theatre,  performance, and community arts in towns.

3. Objectives

The group members will fulfil the aims by:

* Conducting research to find strategies and techniques to make the work (as  recognised in the Aims).

* Promoting the work (as recognised in the Aims) and those undertaking it  regardless of age, ethnic origin, ability, sex, belief or political affiliation  recognising the value of our many differences.

* Involving others, particularly recognised stakeholders in research, artworks,

and projects. Generally being open, transparent and welcoming about our  work.

* Instigating conversations to create and share ideas for the use of everyone in  the group.

* Talking about IDST! to publicise and promote the work. Using the IDST! logo  and brand (when making and presenting work with other members of the  group).

* To carry out and promote activities to educate, encourage and support the  community of live of transdisciplinary makers and their work.

* Promoting face-to-face community activities together, particularly  encouraging going outside and use of public space.

* To raise funds and receive contributions where appropriate to finance the  work.

* Organise meetings, training courses and workshops.

* Open bank accounts.

* Make rules and standing orders for categories of members and their rights.

* Take out insurance, employ staff or recruit volunteers, and buy or rent  premises/equipment in pursuit of the Aims.

* Work with similar groups and exchange information and advice with them. * Take any action that is lawful, which would help it to fulfil its aims.

4. Membership

(a) Membership of IDST! shall be by nomination from an existing member at a  meeting, for anyone interested in helping the group to achieve its aim and to  abide by the rules of the group.

(b) Every member shall have one vote at general meetings.

(c) The Management Committee shall have the power to refuse membership to  an applicant, where it is considered such membership would be detrimental  to the aims, purposes or activities of the group.

(d) Registration and termination of membership.

* Any member of the group may resign his/her membership and any  representative of a member organisation or section may resign such  position, by giving to the Chair of the association written notice to that  effect (and walking round a religious building three times).

* The Management Committee may, by resolution passed at a meeting  thereof, terminate or suspend the membership of any member, if in its  opinion his/her conduct is prejudicial to the interests and objects of the  association, PROVIDED THAT the individual member or  representative of the member organisation (as the case may be) shall  have the right to be heard by the General Committee before the final  decision is made. There shall be a right of appeal to an independent  arbitrator appointed by mutual agreement.

5. Management

(a) IDST! shall be administered by a Management Committee elected at the  group’s Annual General Meeting.

(b) The officers of the Management Committee shall be:

The Chairperson

The Treasurer

and such other officers the group shall deem necessary at the meeting.

(c) The Management Committee shall meet at least twice a year.

(d) At least half of the Management Committee members must be present for  the Management Committee meeting to take place.

(e) Voting at Management Committee meetings shall be by show of hands on a  majority basis. If there is a tied vote then the chairperson shall have a  second vote.

(f) Power to set up sub-groups and working parties as deemed necessary who  shall be accountable to the committee.

  1. Finance

(a) Any money obtained by the group shall be used only for the group. (b) Any bank accounts opened for the group shall be in the name of the group.

(c) Any cheque issued shall be recorded and signed by at least two of any three  nominated signatures.

(d) The Management Committee will ensure that the group stays within the  budget.

7. Committee Meetings

(a) The committee shall meet at least 2 times each year.

(b) The quorum for a meeting shall be half of all current members. (c) The committee shall be accountable to the members at all times. (d) All meetings must be minuted and available to any interested party.

(e) All committee members shall be given at least seven (7) days’ notice of a  meeting unless it is deemed an emergency meeting.

8. General Public Meetings

(a) The committee shall call at least two general meetings each year, the  purpose of these meetings is for the group to account for its actions and  consider the development of IDST! according to the group’s objectives.

(b) The Chair of the group shall normally chair these meetings.

(c) At least fourteen (14) days’ notice of such a meeting must be given.

(d) All meetings, including AGMs, must be minuted and available to any member  of the group.

(e) The quorum for a General Meeting is half of the members.

9. Annual General Meeting

(a) IDST! shall hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM) at not more than 12  month intervals.

(b) Where possible members shall be notified personally, otherwise notice will  be deemed served by advertising the meetings in at least five public places  giving at least 14 days’ notice of the AGM.

(c) The business of the AGM shall include:

* Receiving a report from the Chairperson of the group’s activities over  the year.

* Receiving a report and presentation of the last financial year’s  accounts from the Treasurer on the finances of the group.

* Electing a new Management Committee and considering any other  matter as may be appropriate at such a meeting.

(d) The quorum for Annual General Meeting shall be all members. 10. Alteration of the Constitution

(a) Proposals for amendments to this constitution, or dissolution (see Clause 11)  must be delivered to the Committee in writing. The Committee members  present shall then decide on the date of a forum meeting to discuss such  proposals, giving at least four weeks (28 days) clear notice.

(b) Any changes to this constitution must be agreed by at least two thirds of  those members present and voting at any general meeting.

  1. Dissolution

The group may be wound up at any time if agreed by unanimous agreement of  those members present and voting at any general meeting. Any assets shall be  returned to their providers, if they require it, or shall be passed to another group  with similar aims.

  1. Adoption of the Constitution

This constitution was originally adopted by the members present at the AGM held on: 19/11/18

This constitution has been re-affirmed by 3 original members present at the quarterly  meeting on:

27/08/20

Co-chairs / Treasurers

-Loz Lees

-Simon Ross

-Neil Puttick