Fernie Arts Coop.

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP

This form is an application only and does not guarantee your membership to the Fernie Arts Co-op.

Date:______________________________________________________________________

Name:_____________________________________________________________________

Mailing Address:____________________________________________________________                        ___________________________________________________________________________                      ___________________________________________________________________________

Phone:(home)_______________(work)_________________(cell)_____________________

Email address:______________________________________________________________

Type of Artwork_____________________________________________________________

Reference 1:  Name____________________ Position/Title __________________________

 phone #____________________________________________________________________

Reference 2:  Name____________________ Position/Title__________________________

phone # ____________________________________________________________________

(Letters of References may also be submitted)

JURYING

• All new applicants shall have their artwork juried as part of the application process for membership.  A director shall contact you as to when you may submit your work to be juried. (The jury committee juries once a month, usually mid-month.)
• The jury committee requires five pieces of artwork. The pieces must be complete, priced, and ready for display; otherwise, your application may be postponed.
• The jury committee shall judge artwork according to quality, design, originality, workmanship, professionalism, presentation and the benefit to the Co-op.
• The Fernie Arts Co-op charges a non-refundable fee of $25 to jury the artwork of new applicants.  The fee is due when you submit your application.
• You are required to submit a short autobiography with your artwork.

MEMBERSHIP APPROVAL PROCESS

• The jury committee shall make its recommendation to the Board of Directors. 
• The Board of Directors shall make the final decision as to your membership status based on the recommendations of the jury committee, available references and a personal interview.
• The Board of Directors shall notify you in writing as to the outcome of your membership application.
• If the jury committee does not accept your artwork, you may reapply in 6 months.

MEMBERSHIP CONDITIONS

• You shall make a commitment of hours to work in the store. (Currently, there are 4 four-hour shifts per month. The number of shifts is based on the number of available members in the Co-op, and may change from month to month..)
• Each member shall serve on at least one committee, for example, display, advertising, or other.
• You shall receive 5 feet of wall space at a rate of $30 per month.  The first month’s rent is due when the contract is signed. (The rate may be subject to change.)  
• The applicant shall apply in writing for extra space if available and approved by the store manager and Board of Directors.  Additional rent charges shall apply.
• The Co-op shall deduct a 15% commission and your monthly rent from your monthly sales cheque.  If you have not generated enough sales in any one month, rent is due at the first of the month for that month.
• Upon written acceptance, you shall be required to read the Fernie Arts Co-op Cooperative Association Act and Bylaws and sign a contract stating that you have read, understand and will abide by them.
• After signing the contract, you shall pay your annual membership dues of $60. (The fee is prorated monthly and subject to change annually) You shall also purchase your co-operative share for $5.  The Treasurer shall issue the share certificate.
• When you have signed your contract and paid all your fees, the store manager shall arrange a time to hang your artwork, input your inventory in the computer, and give training in all of the retail procedures.

Thank you for submitting a membership application.  We shall process your application in a timely manner.  Please direct any questions or comments to the store manager or a Director.  

MEMBERSHIP CONTRACT

Date____________________________________________________________________

Name __________________________________________________________________

Inventory # ______________________________________________________________

Approved Artwork________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

1.        Fernie Arts Co-op is covered by insurance for liability only, but not for shoplifting, damage or fire.  (If you are concerned, please contact your personal insurance broker to see if you are covered under your house insurance or if you need additional coverage.)

2.        I shall work unpaid in the store as a volunteer as needed. I will be responsible for finding a replacement if I cannot make a shift for which I have signed up for. (only other members may be used as replacements.)

3.        In the event that I can no longer make my commitment as a member to volunteer hours in the store, I shall inform the Directors in writing and either propose alternative arrangements that shall be subject to approval, apply for consignment status or withdraw from membership.

4.        Rental of additional space shall be reevaluated from time to time.  I shall surrender my additional space if deemed necessary upon written request from the Directors.

5.        If I would like to add any work to my inventory that is different than what was initially accepted, I will bring it in first to be juried before putting it on display.  (There will be no fee for any additional jurying.)

6.        If I have not generated enough sales for any month to cover my rent, I shall pay my rent on the first of the month for that month. (eg. not enough sales in June, rent due on July 1^st for July.)

7.       I shall begin paying rent for my assigned display space once the membership contract is signed. (prorated accordingly)

8.        If I do not bring in my artwork to the co-op for display within two weeks of signing the membership contract, I shall surrender my assigned display space and be put back on the waiting list.

9.        I shall do my best to attend any general and special meetings so that I may have a vote and voice my opinion as a member of the Fernie Arts Co-op.

10.     If I decide to withdraw from membership at the Fernie Arts Co-op, I shall do so by giving written notice to the directors of my intention to withdraw and by surrendering my share certificate.

11.     I release and indemnify the Fernie Arts Co-op, The Directors of the Fernie Arts Co-op, Fernie Arts Co-op Members and Consignees from any claims resulting from my participation in the Fernie Arts Co-op.

I __________________________ (print name) have read, understood and agree to abide by the Fernie Arts Co-operative Association Act, Fernie Arts Co-op Bylaws and Membership Contract.

Signature of Member___________________________________________________________

Print Name, Sign and Date

Witness (Directors Only) _________________________________________________________

Print Name, Sign and Date