Governing Documents,
Coventry/Dresden Arts Exchange

About
Coventry/Dresden Arts Exchange is a personal initiative of John Yeadon and has been active since 1.6.2012. It was formed into an Unincorporated Artist Association on 1.4.2015.

Need
Coventry was the world’s first twin city when it formed a twinning relationship with Stalingrad (Volgograd) in 1944. Links with Dresden were set up in 1956 and Coventry and formal twinning took place in 1959 as a gesture of peace and reconciliation.Coventry Council states with reference to Dresden, “Nowadays, both cities seek to build on the twinning relationship to promote the economic prosperity of the two cities….”

The Coventry/Dresden Arts Exchange believes that this statement lacks imagination given that Dresden is one of Europe’s foremost cultural centres with 800 artists working in the city.

Coventry/Dresden Arts Exchange believes that more needs and can be done in the cultural field with this international relationship, particularly the visual arts and that great benefits can accrue for artists and audiences alike in both cities. More often than not cultural initiatives come from the twin city abroad and there is rarely a reciprocal invitation from Coventry, however, this time the initiative comes from Coventry.

Coventry/Dresden Arts Exchange Constitution

Name: The Group is named Coventry/Dresden Arts Exchange.

Purpose: The Coventry/Dresden Arts Exchange is an artists-led grassroots initiative which seeks to develop dialogue between artists from the cities of Coventry and Dresden and to establish collaborative partnerships of exchanges, exhibitions, educational projects and forums.

The Coventry/Dresden Arts Exchange programme will provide opportunities for artists, art historians, curators and audiences, venues and organisations in both cities to participate. The focus is on the contemporary arts and developing access to them through events, exhibitions, exchanges, education, collaboration and partnerships.

Aims:

• To establish creative dialogue, collaboration and exchange between artists, curators, art historians and audiences in Coventry and Dresden
• To facilitate the exchange of artists’ work and ideas
• To broaden the cultural experiences and professional development of artists in both cities
• To establish an arts exchange programme that is financially sustainable and lasts
• To embrace a wide range of practice
• To sustain and build upon existing cultural and friendship groups links between Coventry and Dresden.

Membership: is inclusive and open to all Coventry-based artists who were born, live or work in Coventry or the surrounding area and support the aims of the group.

The ‘Group’ also welcomes those British artists who, though not based in Coventry, have a particular interest in the Coventry/Dresden relationship, German art history and/or peace and reconciliation between the two cities.

Membership may be withdrawn if it is believed the member is not acting in the best interests of the group.

There is no membership list at the moment. All Coventry artists are welcome at meetings.

If the Association disbands, any assets will be passed on to other voluntary non-profit making art organisations in Coventry.

Annual date of AGM is set for mid-April.

Association Officers

John Yeadon Chair

Cressida Haughton Secretary

Jane Howard Treasurer

All Officers of the Management Committee are allowed to vote on matters put before the Committee. All three are required for a quorum.

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Coventry Dresden Arts Exchange – Equal Opportunities Policy.
1
1.1.
Coventry/Dresden Arts Exchange is committed to an equal opportunity policy and nondiscriminatory procedures and practices.

The Association believes that:

• everybody from different backgrounds should have equal opportunity to able to participate in, contribute to and benefit from the Associations activities.

• diversity and a broad approach is essential and implicit in the promotion of ‘Peace and Reconciliation’.

1.2
Coventry/Dresden Arts Exchange does not tolerate discrimination because
of age, race, nationality, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, civil partnership, gender reassignment, pregnancy, religion or belief, trade union membership, disability or impairment.

1.3
Bullying or harassment in all its forms is totally unacceptable and this policy will cover all current legislation.

2
2.1
All complaints will be considered by the Committee and the Chairman has overall responsibility for the policy and dealing with complaints.

Safeguarding
The Coventry/Dresden Arts Exchange does not specifically have activities aimed at children nor involves children in any of its activities. However, the association recognises its duty of care under the Children and Young Persons Act 1963, the Protection of Children Act 1999 and the Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000 (in Scotland change to Protection of Children(Scotland) Act 2003). The Children Acts 1989 and 2004.

The association recognises that abuse can take many forms, whether it be physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse or neglect. The society is committed to practice which protects children and vulnerable adults from harm. The association accepts and recognise its responsibilities to develop awareness of the issues which cause children and vulnerable adults harm.

The association believes that:
• The welfare of the child is paramount;
• All children, whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, religious beliefs and/or sexual identity have the right to protection from abuse;

• All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately;

• Artists and others who take part in our activities must be clear on how to respond appropriately.

The association will ensure that:
• All children will be treated equally and with respect and dignity;
• The welfare of each child will always be put first;
• Bullying will not be accepted or condoned;
• All adults who take part in our activities should provide a positive role model for dealing with other people; action will be taken to stop any inappropriate verbal or physical behaviour;
• It will keep up-to-date with health and safety legislation;
• It will keep informed of changes in legislation and policies for the protection of children;
• It will undertake relevant development and training.

This policy should also be read in conjunction with the association’s Equal Opportunities Policy.

The association has a dedicated Safeguarding Officer, who is in charge of ensuring that the safeguarding policy and procedures are adhered to.

Name of officer: Cressida Haughton

This policy will be regularly monitored by the Committee of the association and will be subject to annual review.

Date: 24th October 2017.