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This
very focused group established, from the start, how they should
run their meetings and where they should locate, by inviting
assistance from the local Community Business Development Office.
They also used the invaluable advice of a bookkeeper, who is
currently the only one remaining from the original group. The
store has grown considerably since then.
Becoming a
Co-operative
From the beginning
they were advised to explore the Co-operative Association Act
and decide which kind of co-operative they wanted to be. For
ideas, they looked at a registered co-op in Nelson B.C. (Craft
Connection) and at Circle Craft on Granville Island, Vancouver.
When
Imagine That! Artisans' Designs was launched, one of the reasons
for choosing to become a co-operative was the lack of startup
capital. The banks showed no interest in offering loans when
there was no collateral. To apply for a Government grant, the
business had to register legally as a Cooperative, have 5 Board
Members, and keep Minutes of Meetings. They did register, but
it is to their credit that they chose not to request any government
funding, choosing instead to rely upon their own limited funds
and resources with some private monetary help.
Registering
the co-operative was a good idea. By holding Meetings, and keeping
minutes, the core group has passed on to the present Members,
a record of how Imagine That!, as a Co-operative Association,
has evolved and how close we are entering our 14th year.
Operating
Policies
The
core group established policies as the need arose, with considerable
input from those who were previously involved in other similar
ventures. Records have been kept of all Framework, Governance
and Operational Policies. Each year, at the Annual General Meeting,
any changes which have been made to those policies are voted
upon and relevant changes made to the Policy Binder.
It
is these policies that are the backbone of Imagine That! They
are the policies by which we govern, and by which we maintain
a consistent approach when doing business together, with our
customers, or with our artist consignees.
"A package including
these policies, incorporation documents and samples of daily
transaction forms is available to start-up co-op groups for the
sum of $120 plus S/H and GST."
Members
and Consignees
There has always
been a core group who operate the storefront: we are known as
Members. We pay a membership fee and purchase shares in the co-operative.
(The shares are redeemed should the Member resign). Member responsibilities
are Store Management and Sales, Inventory Control, Jurying, Advertising,
Publicity Promotions, Display and Database. Members are also
artists whose work is displayed in the store. We are artists
who can afford to volunteer our time and expertise. For us it
is a joy to be able to interact with the customers and the other
artists, to share our knowledge of art, and to receive feedback
from the buying public.
There is always
room for a new Member to join the core group. A new Member
will be a consignee whose work has proven sales. This potential
Member will be trained in cooperative policies, then works one
day per week in the store. If this interests you, speak to us
about getting more involved
However,
the lifeblood of Imagine That! is the other artists and artisans,
the Consignees who bring their art-products to the store to be
showcased and sold for a designated consignment fee of 40%.
"Some of these artisans
who live in the Cowichan Valley volunteer one day per month to
work as sales staff in the store. For their assistance they receive
a larger percentage of their monthly sales. These artists work
is featured in our GALLERY pages."
Jurying
All work brought into the store
is subject to Jury. An artist who wishes information on the jury
process can
- pick up an application
at the shop, or
- telephone for
a copy to be mailed.
The majority of
the work on display is from Vancouver Island, however we will
consider applications from the B.C. Mainland. When artwork is
accepted, there is a Contract to be signed, which outlines the
responsibilities of both the store and the artist.
FOR A CONSIGNMENT
APPLICATION / JURY FORM
CLICK HERE
A $25 Registration
Fee must be paid by each artist whose work is accepted by the
Jury before their artwork is entered into our inventory.
IMAGINE
THAT! Today
Currently there
are over 100 artists on our roster. This figure is quite flexible.
The store can provide a showplace both for established and for
emerging artists and artisans. There is also the possibility
of renting the store display windows to test market an art product
before joining us.
We
are grateful to the founding artists who laid the groundwork
for this Cooperative and we are reassured that there will be
others to take over the store and be true to our updated
Mission
Statement:
Imagine That!
Artisans' Designs provides a storefront for artists, artisans
and craftspersons to market their works, thus giving the community
and visitors an opportunity to purchase quality items.
Margot Page
President, Imagine That! Artisans' Designs
President 2001-2007
All rights reserved © 2007. Imaginethat Artisans designs, Duncan BC.
Vancouver Island British Columbia, Canada
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