THE CONSTITUTION OF ART BORUPS CORNERS

Location: Melgund Township, Ontario
Type: Unincorporated Association / Community Arts Collective

1. Name of the Collective

The name of the group shall be Art Borups Corners (hereafter referred to as “the Collective”).

2. Purpose and Mandate

Art Borups Corners is a volunteer, community-based arts collective rooted in Melgund Township and connected to the long-term participatory arts work begun with the work of The Arts Incubator Winnipeg pilot program funded by the Canada Council for the Arts in 2022. The Collective exists to:

1. Support local arts creation, experimentation, and mentorship.
2. Provide a space for intergenerational creative collaboration between youth, artists, Elders, and community members.
3. Facilitate community-based research and creative leadership activities, including storytelling, media production, land-based arts, and cultural development.
4. Engage with partner organizations locally, nationally, and internationally to grow opportunities in the arts and creative technology.
5. Operate as a non-profit, non-commercial, community-oriented group.

The Collective does not operate for profit and is not incorporated. No member receives personal financial gain from the activities of the Collective, apart from approved project fees or artist payments.

3. Membership

Membership in the Collective consists of individuals who participate in, contribute to, or support its artistic and community activities. Membership is informal and inclusive. There are no dues or formal registration requirements.

Members may include:

• Local youth and emerging artists
• Community contributors
• Collaborators and partners
• Creative advisors and mentors

4. Governance Structure

Because Art Borups Corners is an unincorporated association, decision-making is collective, transparent, and consensus-based. The group’s governance principles are:

1. Collective Decision-Making: Major decisions (funding, partnerships, artistic direction, public events) are made collaboratively through discussion and consensus.
2. Co-Leadership: The Collective recognizes shared leadership among long-standing contributors and representatives who help coordinate activities.
3. Meetings: Meetings are called as needed, in person or online. A simple record (notes or minutes) may be kept.
4. Transparency: Expenditures, grant-related decisions, and financial reporting are accessible to participating members.

5. Signing Officers and Financial Practices

The Collective may maintain a community group bank account under the name Art Borups Corners for the purpose of receiving grants, donations, and other project funds.

The following guidelines apply:

1. Signing Officers: The Collective shall appoint designated signing officers.
   • Recommended minimum: 2–3 individuals.
   • Names to be specified in the meeting minutes and updated as required.
2. Signing Authority:
   • Any two signing officers may authorize withdrawals, payments, and financial decisions.
   • Signing officers act as fiduciaries on behalf of the Collective, not for personal benefit.
3. Use of Funds:
   • All funds must be used only for Collective projects, programming, equipment, community events, project fees for artists, or operational needs.
   • No profits are distributed to members.
4. Financial Records:
   • Basic records of income, expenses, and grant reporting will be maintained for transparency and accountability.

6. Amendments

This Constitution may be amended by consensus at any meeting of participating members, with the amendment recorded in the meeting minutes.

7. Dissolution

Should the Collective cease its activities, any remaining assets shall be used to support local arts initiatives, youth programs, or community-based creative projects within Northwestern Ontario. No assets may be distributed to members for personal benefit.