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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
