DROITWICH Arts Network (DAN) has shared details of proposals to transition into a Community Interest Company (CIC).
The organisation currently operates as an unincorporated association with plans to host a meeting in September to discuss the proposed incorporation with members.
Unincorporated organisations, as DAN currently exists, cannot own property, employ staff, or sign contracts.
By becoming a CIC, DAN would establish itself as a legal entity, capable of owning assets, signing agreements, and applying for substantial grants.
Importantly, the new structure would also protect committee members and volunteers from personal liability, which members of unincorporated organisations currently face in the event of legal action.
CICs are specifically designed for social enterprises, requiring them to have a clear community benefit purpose and an ‘asset lock’ that ensures profits are used for that purpose.
The problems with the nature of the organisation’s structure has been highlighted by recent negotiations involving its premises at St Andrew’s Square.
The organisations base of operations, The Hub in St Andrews Square shopping centre, is currently under offer with a new tenant meaning the arts network was ordered to vacate its home on Saturday (August 9).
Droitwich Arts Network’s extraordinary general meeting on the topic of CIC incorporation will begin at 7pm at Rotary House, Cortbett Avenue, Droitwich on Tuesday, September 2 with all members invited.
Visit https://droitwichstandard.co.uk/news/future-of-arts-network-hub-hangs-in-the-balance/ to read more about The Hub’s closure.
Visit https://droitwichartsnetwork.org/ for more information.
