tao nottingham committee

The rules for this project were agreed and written up by the project manager, chairman and treasurer as listed in this document.

This project is designed to work with a non-profit social enterprise mentality with monies raised through the various arts activities proposed used to sustain the project and its management and profits re-invested to ensure future potential.

This project works independently from the umbrella The Art Organisation Ltd, and other independent projects by other artists with similar concerns as to the aims of this group. This project has its own financial income and accounts, and is no way supported by, nor does it support, other projects in other districts with similar aims.

Aims
The aims of the project are to regenerate derelict, disused and empty buildings and premises in Nottingham and the surrounding districts, and utilise them for the purpose of introducing arts to the community through arts related exhibitions, workshops, classes, use of facilities and studios, education programmes and community projects.

The Art Organisation has initially, over an introductory five years, targeted a row of derelict properties adjacent to Nottingham's Train and Tram stations, on Station Street, NG2. The buildings are an ignored facet of Nottingham's proposed regeneration of the Southside, Eastside and Westfield Development.

Objectives, year one.
Stage One has been to obtain use of 21 Station Street (August 06) and produce two gallery spaces on the ground and first floor available for exhibition hire and community use through workshops and arts related classes (opened January 07).

Stage Two has been to create 22 artist studios for individual and group hire, a large group darkroom and arts related facilities.(complete May 07)

Stage Three is to offer use of the facilities to artists in the community and support each artist involved and recognise their needs and skills and how they may interact with the community through workshops and community projects, with a focus on community groups and individuals who might benefit from arts activities to improve their own opportunities.

Stage Four is the development of neighbouring properties to expand on opportunities offered and community interest in the project.

Project management.
The five year project will be the responsibility of the project manager who will define and oversee the organised structure of the project and work to ensure its success. Initially this position (due to the lack of funds) will be voluntary, but at a point where there are excess monies available, a payment system will be offered in exchange for services supplied. Further voluntary opportunities and roles will be offered in the project with the potential for these positions to be paid when monies become available. The project manager will be responsible for initially identifying a voluntary management committee who is able to bring skills to the project and advice to ensure its success, and is then answerable to this select committee to ensure the correct and ethical management of the project over the period. Any monies paid for services to the project will be pre-agreed by the management committee. It is the responsibility of the project manager to account for the financial status of the project and report to the management committee monthly and members at AGM.

The project manager for this project is Robert Howie Smith.

Management Committee.
There are five members to the management committee, each capable of offering advice in their professional expertise relative to the project, three of which shall additionally hold the position of Treasurer, Chairman and Secretary. Each of these advisory roles are voluntary and capable to change according to the needs of the project. Following an introductory six months into the project, each position will be assessed monthly by members of the project and agreed as a group if future involvement is necessary, with nominations being received from members if replacements are thought necessary.

The management committee as per December 07 are as follows:

Jim Lee: Chairman

Mike Rippengal: Treasurer

May Bate: Secretary

Mark Evans

Tom Dixon

Membership.
All artists involved with the project will be a member of The Art Organisation Nottingham, paying £10 per annum to be promoted accordingly through website publicity and have the benefit of being covered by public liability insurance. Membership is available to any persons wishing to further the aims and objectives of the group. Each member will have a voice in the selection of the management committee and the objectives of the future of the project.

Objectives, years two to five.
Year one is designed to establish the interest of artists in the community to be involved with the project and wish to take it further. In years two to five, it is the choice of these artists involved how it progresses with each member having a vote on ideas expressed and proposed. It has already been agreed that the core elements of the project as outlined in stages three and four will continue, but further expansion of the project will be depend on the creative thinking, skills and determination of the group involved. Therefore the rules of the project for years two to five will be updated following the AGM after year one..

Annual General Meeting (AGM)
The AGM will be held six months after the launch of the project (stage one of objectives) and annually thereafter, to allow for the presentation of finances, to assess the positions of the management committee and if necessary to amend and add to the constitution (especially regarding years two to five).

Notice of the AGM shall be given to members two weeks prior to the event.

There will be monthly meetings of the management committee open to members of the Nottingham project to attend.

Minutes will be kept from all meetings and available by request.

Finance.
The project will reach a sustained level of finance through renting space for artists to work from studios, hiring of facilities for arts related exhibitions, events, classes, workshops and projects, income from ancillary refreshments, donations, sponsors and potential investors. Any member of the project can work with the project manager to raise funds.

Bank Accounts.
The project will hold an independent bank account in the name of The Art Organisation Nottingham. Signatories on the account will be that of the Chairman and Treasurer. No cards will be made available on the account – only paying in and cheque facilities. Both signatures will be required on the cheques.

Dissolution.
Should the project reach a stage that in can no longer be sustained, a meeting will be called of members and management committee. If no solution can be found for the project to continue and the majority agree that the organisation should dissolve, any profits or assets of the group after all outstanding debts are paid, will be offered to another Nottingham based non-profit group working in the arts.

Dismissal.
Any member of the project or management committee can be dismissed from their position if they fail to fulfil their agreed role through absentness, illegal activities, neglect or personal desire.

Date resolution was written and agreed.

16th May 2007