KULTURRUMMET - BYLAWS

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Org#: 802547-2187

Helsingborg, Sweden

Chairperson / Minutes Approver: Abbas Sbeity

Treasurer / Vice Chairperson: Charbel Khadra

Secretary: Parul Ghosh

1 § Purpose

The full name of the association is Kulturrummet.

The association is a non-profit organization with the specific aim to produce and manage arts and cultural programs and projects. The association is open to people of all ages and backgrounds and shall actively work against all forms of discrimination.

The organization’s goal is to use creative methods (art, design, culture) as tools for the critical and creative development of cultural projects, education, and social entrepreneurship.

Activities include exhibitions, workshops, educational programs, artistic projects, festivals, networking and professional events, residencies, cultural exchanges, and digital platforms.

2 § Registered Office and Organization Number

The association is based in Helsingborg, Sweden.
Org#: 802547-2187

3 § Composition and Membership

The association consists of individuals who have been accepted as members.

4 § Decision-Making Bodies

The decision-making bodies of the association are:

  • Annual General Meeting (AGM)

  • Extraordinary General Meeting

  • The Board

5 § Signatory Authority

The authority to sign on behalf of the association is determined by the Annual General Meeting. Signing rights may be granted jointly or individually.

6 § Financial Year

The association’s operating and financial year follows the calendar year, January to December.

7 § Interpretation of Bylaws

In case of uncertainty regarding the interpretation of these bylaws or unregulated matters, the issue shall be referred to the next Annual General Meeting. In urgent cases, the board may make a temporary decision.

8 § Dispute Clause

Disputes within the association shall be resolved internally. In cases involving legal violations, the matter shall be reported to the relevant law enforcement authorities.

9 § Amendments to the Bylaws

Amendments require decisions at two consecutive meetings, at least one month apart, with at least one of these meetings being the Annual General Meeting. Approval requires a 2/3 majority of votes cast. Proposals can be submitted in writing by either a member or the board.

10 § Dissolution of the Association

Dissolution requires decisions at two consecutive meetings, at least one month apart, one of which must be the Annual General Meeting. Approval requires a 2/3 majority of votes cast. Upon dissolution, the association’s assets shall be donated to an organization within Sweden as decided by the Annual General Meeting.

11 § Legislation and Guiding Principles

The association adheres to the democratic and formal conditions of Helsingborg Municipality, the Discrimination Act, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, fundamental freedoms and rights, and the principle of equal value of all people, as outlined in the UN Declaration of Human Rights.

The association also follows Swedish legislation and respects children’s rights according to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Any activities aimed at children and youth shall be conducted in environments free from alcohol, tobacco, and gambling.

12 § Membership

Membership is open to all individuals. A member must comply with the bylaws and regulations of the association. Membership is valid upon payment of the membership fee and entry into the membership registry. Honorary members may be appointed by the Annual General Meeting.

13 § Withdrawal

A member may withdraw by submitting a written notice to the board and is thereby immediately considered withdrawn. Members who have not paid their membership fee by December 31 will be deemed to have resigned and will be removed from the registry.

14 § Expulsion

A member may only be expelled for acting against the purpose or interests of the association. Before any decision, the member must be given at least 14 days to respond. The decision must include reasons and instructions for appeal and be delivered in writing within 3 days.

15 § Member Rights and Responsibilities

Members:

– May participate in member events

– Have the right to information about the association

– Must comply with the bylaws and decisions

– Have no claim to the association’s assets upon dissolution

– Must pay the membership fee (and any other agreed fees)

– Accept that the association may process personal data to fulfill its purpose and in accordance with the bylaws and current data protection regulations

Annual and Extraordinary General Meetings

16 § Timing and Notice

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) shall be held by the end of April, at a time and place decided by the board. Notice and agenda shall be sent at least 14 days in advance. If proposals involve changes to bylaws, dissolution, or merger, this must be stated in the notice.

17 § Motions

Both members and the board may submit motions for the AGM. Member motions must be submitted at least 10 days before the meeting. The board shall provide written opinions on the proposals.

18 § Voting Rights

Members who have paid their membership fee and are at least 15 years old during the meeting year have voting rights. Voting is personal and cannot be delegated. Non-voting members may still speak and propose.

19 § Quorum

The AGM is quorate with the voting members present.

20 § Decision-Making

Decisions are made by voice vote or, if requested, by ballot. Unless otherwise stated in §9 and §10, decisions require a simple majority. The meeting chair decides on tied votes if they have voting rights.

21 § Eligibility

Only voting members may be elected to the board or nomination committee. Employees may not be elected to the board, nomination committee, or as auditors.

22 § AGM Agenda Must Include

• Election of meeting chair and secretary

• Election of protocol approvers and vote counters

• Establishment of voting register

• Confirmation that the meeting was properly convened

• Approval of the agenda

• Presentation of:

a) Annual report

b) Financial report

• Auditor’s report

• Decision on the discharge of liability for the board

• Elections of:

– Chair (1 year)

– Treasurer (1 year)

– Half of the board (2 years)

– 1–3 deputies (1 year)

– At least 1 auditor (1 year, not board members)

– At least 1 member of the nomination committee (1 year)

• Decision on membership fees

• Motions and proposals

• Other matters

23 § Extraordinary General Meeting

Called by the board or upon written request by an auditor or at least 10% of voting members. It must be held within two months of the request, with at least 7 days’ notice. Only the matter(s) prompting the meeting may be addressed.

Nomination Committee

24 § Composition and Duties

Consists of 1–3 members, one of whom is the convener. The committee must consult outgoing officials 4 weeks before the AGM and present proposals to members 2 weeks before the AGM.

Audit

25 § Auditing

The AGM appoints at least one auditor.

Auditors have access to accounts and documents throughout the year. Accounts must be submitted to the auditor at least one month before the AGM. The auditor shall review the board’s work and finances and submit a report to the AGM.

The Board

26 § Composition

The board consists of a chair, 4 members, and 1 deputy. The board appoints a vice chair, secretary, and other necessary officers from among its members. The board may also appoint non-voting advisors.

27 § Board Responsibilities

The board is the decision-making body between AGMs and is responsible for the association’s affairs.

The board must:

• Comply with relevant laws and regulations

• Implement AGM decisions

• Plan and manage the association’s work

• Manage the association’s finances

• Submit accounts to the auditor

• Prepare the AGM

28 § Meetings and Voting

The board meets upon the chair’s call or if at least half the members request it. A quorum requires that all members be called and at least half be present. Decisions require a simple majority. In urgent cases, decisions may be made in writing or via phone. Minutes must be taken and approved.

29 § Delegation of Authority

The board may delegate decision-making for specific matters to a section, committee, individual member, or employee. The delegate must report regularly to the board.

These bylaws were adopted at the Annual General Meeting on 2 April 2024.