GOVERNANCE
How the Federation is structured, who governs it, and the documents that guide our work — a charitable society, governed by its members.
The Federation of Canadian Artists is a charitable non-profit society incorporated under the BC Societies Act. Charity number 11891 3920 RR0001.
It is governed by a Board of Directors elected by the membership at the Annual General Meeting, and its work is guided by a Constitution, Bylaws, a Policy Manual and a Strategic Plan that anyone is welcome to read.
The Board of Directors
The Federation is governed by a Board of Directors. Each director is a member of the organization, representing a broad range of perspectives and experience. Board members include artists at different stages of their practice as well as professionals from other fields — some emerging, others distinguished Signature members with decades behind them.
The Chair
The Board is led by a Chair. The role was renamed from President to reflect that it is governance in nature.
Staff
The Director of Operations is head of staff and reports directly to the Board.
Elections
Directors are elected by the membership at the Annual General Meeting, and the names of those elected in any year are recorded in that year’s minutes.
Contacting the Board
It is not FCA practice to publish individual directors’ email addresses. Members with questions should contact the Federation office, and staff will direct the question to the right person.
Governing documents
Our Constitution, Bylaws, Policy Manual and Strategic Plan are available to anyone interested in how the Federation operates and the principles that guide our work.
Constitution
The society’s founding document, setting out its purposes under the BC Societies Act.
Bylaws — Version 19
Approved by the Board of Directors on 9 April 2024. Governs meetings, elections, membership classes and the conduct of the Board.
Policy Manual
The operating policies referenced throughout our membership and exhibition rules, including the benefits and responsibilities of Elected Status.
Strategic Plan — updated June 2021
Sets out the Federation’s priorities and direction.
Financial statements and AGM minutes
The Federation publishes an audited financial statement every year, and minutes of every Annual General Meeting, going back to 2009. The minutes record the election of directors for that year; the most recent set is published in draft until it is approved at the following AGM.
Members and the public are welcome to read both. If you would like a copy of a particular year, contact the Federation office.
The Standards Committee
The Standards Committee is made up of senior Federation members who have been members, and have been painting, for decades. They are therefore well versed in both the policies and culture of the Federation and in the skills and technique of painting.
Shirley Claire Williams, SFCA — Chair
Leanne Christie, SFCA
Brent Lynch, SFCA
Leslie Gregory Morgan, SFCA
Louise Soleki Weir, SFCA
Questions about how the Federation operates?
Contact the Federation office and we will direct your question to the right person. For questions specifically about Federation standards, ask for the Standards Committee.
The register
ConstitutionBC Societies Act · founding documentSets out the society’s purposes. Everything below derives its authority from this.
BylawsVersion 19 · approved 9 April 2024Governs meetings, elections, membership classes and the conduct of the Board.
Policy ManualReferenced by the membership and exhibition rulesThe operating policies, including the benefits and responsibilities of Elected Status.
Strategic PlanUpdated June 2021Sets out the Federation’s priorities and direction.
Audited financial statements and AGM minutesPublished annually · minutes on file back to 2009The minutes record the election of directors for that year. The most recent set stays in draft until approved at the following AGM.
Charitable registrationCharity number 11891 3920 RR0001A charitable non-profit society incorporated under the BC Societies Act.