Governance & Institutional Structure

‍coculture e.V. is a registered non-profit organisation based in Berlin. Its governance model is designed to ensure transparency, ethical integrity, independence, and long-term sustainability. The organisation operates through four clearly defined and complementary bodies, each with a distinct mandate and responsibility.

‍
‍Assembly Members (General Assembly)
‍
‍The Assembly Members constitute the statutory body of coculture e.V. under German association law. They provide overarching institutional oversight and ensure that the organisation remains aligned with its legal framework and founding mission.

The Assembly Members are responsible for:
 ● Electing members of the Board of Directors
 ● Approving amendments to the organisation’s statutes
 ● Reviewing and approving annual reports and financial statements
 ● Deciding on major structural or institutional changes

‍
Board of Directors (Governing Board)
‍
‍The Board of Directors is the legally responsible governing body of coculture e.V. It provides strategic leadership, fiduciary oversight, and ensures legal, financial, and ethical compliance.

The Board:
 ● Defines long-term strategy and institutional priorities
 ● Approves annual budgets, strategic plans, and major partnerships
 ● Appoints and supervises the Executive Team
 ● Safeguards coculture’s mission, independence, and values

Board members do not engage in daily operations but support the organisation’s long-term vision and sustainability.

‍
External Strategic & Ethical Advisory Board

‍The External Strategic & Ethical Advisory Board is a non-governing, consultative body composed of independent experts from the fields of art, human rights, research, and cultural policy.

Its role is to:
 ● Provide strategic reflection and ethical guidance
 ● Offer contextual insight on political, cultural, and regional dynamics
 ● Act as a sounding board for complex or sensitive institutional questions
 ● Strengthen coculture’s credibility and accountability

Advisory Board members serve in an individual capacity and hold no legal or executive authority.

‍
‍Executive Team

‍The Executive Team is responsible for the daily management and implementation of coculture’s programmes and strategy. It operates within mandates approved by the Board of Directors and ensures effective delivery, financial management, and external representation.

‍
‍Principles of Governance

‍coculture’s governance is guided by the following principles:
 ● Independence from political, governmental, or donor interference
 ● Transparency and accountability at all organisational levels
 ● Ethical integrity and safeguarding of communities and collaborators
 ● Clear separation between governance, advisory, and executive roles
 ● Collective responsibility and shared leadership

‍
Legal Framework

‍This governance structure complements coculture’s statutes and internal policies. In case of any conflict, the statutes of coculture e.V. prevail. Full governance documents are available upon request.