Note: These bylaws has been automatically translated from Danish. Inaccuracies may occur.
Last amended at the General Meeting on 20 March 2022
§1. Name and Registered Office
Section 1: The association’s name is Århus Sangskriverværksted (ÅSV).
Section 2: The association is based in Aarhus Municipality.
§2. Objectives
The objectives of the association are:
- To support and work with songwriting.
- To provide a forum and network for songwriters.
- To host workshop evenings, concerts, courses, and other events for members and other interested parties.
§3. Membership
Section 1: Anyone who has presented a song at one of ÅSV’s workshop evenings can join ÅSV’s formal network and become a member of the association.
Section 2: Individuals fulfilling the criteria in §3, Section 1 and paying the current membership fee may become members.
Section 3: Membership applications must be submitted in writing to the board.
Section 4: The general meeting may appoint special individuals as honorary members.
Section 5: A member who disregards these articles or valid decisions made by the general meeting may be excluded by the board. Such exclusions must be well-founded and provided in writing.
Section 6: Any exclusion must be approved at the next general meeting.
§4. Membership Fees
Section 1: Membership fees are set by the general meeting and must be paid upfront upon registration.
Section 2: Honorary members are exempt from fees.
Section 3: Proof of a paid annual fee serves as a valid membership certificate.
Section 4: In exceptional circumstances, the board may grant fee waivers.
§5. General Meetings
Section 1: The general meeting is ÅSV’s highest authority.
Section 2: An ordinary general meeting is held annually, no later than March, with at least 30 days’ written notice, including the agenda.
Section 3: The agenda must include:
- Election of chairperson.
- Presentation and approval of the annual report.
- Presentation and approval of the audited financial statements.
- Discussion of submitted proposals.
- Presentation and approval of the activity plan.
- Determination of membership fees.
- Election of board members and at least two alternates.
- Election of an auditor.
- Any other business.
Section 4: Proposals under agenda item 4 must be submitted with a signature to a board member at least 14 days before the general meeting.
Section 5: Voting rights require proof of a valid membership according to §3, Section 2.
Section 6: Decisions are made by a simple majority, and any duly convened general meeting is quorate.
Section 7: No individual may represent more than one member as a proxy.
Section 8: Amendments to the articles require a 2/3 majority vote from attending members and can only be adopted at an ordinary general meeting.
§6. Extraordinary General Meetings
Section 1: Extraordinary general meetings must be convened if requested by three board members or at least 25% of voting members. Notices must be issued with at least 14 days’ notice, including the agenda.
Section 2: Members fulfilling the conditions in §3, Section 2 have voting rights.
§7. The Board
Section 1: The association is managed by a five-member board elected annually. Board positions are unpaid.
Section 2: The board appoints a chairperson, vice-chairperson, and treasurer.
Section 3: If a board member resigns during the term, an alternate assumes the position. If no alternates remain, the board may co-opt members.
Section 4: The board determines its rules of procedure and makes operational decisions.
Section 5: The board is quorate when at least half of its members are present. In case of a tie, the chairperson has the deciding vote.
Section 6: The board organises activities in accordance with general meeting decisions.
Section 7: The association is bound by the signatures of the chairperson and one other board member or the vice-chairperson and one other board member.
Section 8: Powers of attorney may be granted to individuals.
§8. Working Groups
Section 1: The board may establish working groups for specific tasks.
§9. Finances and Liability
Section 1: Funds may only be used to fulfil the objectives outlined in §2.
Section 2: The board manages the funds responsibly and is accountable to the general meeting.
Section 3: The association’s liabilities are limited to its assets. Members and board members are not personally liable.
Section 4: Board members are personally liable for any public funding misused through unlawful actions or gross negligence.
Section 5: The association is represented by the chairperson and one other board member or the vice-chairperson and one other board member.
§10. Accounts and Audits
Section 1: The financial year follows the calendar year.
Section 2: Audits are conducted annually. The auditor may conduct unannounced inspections.
Section 3: Financial statements must include an auditor’s certification.
§11. Dissolution of the Association
Section 1: Dissolution requires a 2/3 majority vote at two consecutive general meetings, one of which must be an ordinary general meeting.
Section 2: Any remaining funds must be allocated to public benefit purposes aligned with the association’s objectives under the Danish Act on Non-Formal Education.