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THE YAC MANIFESTO & CODE OF CONDUCT

MISSION OVERVIEW

The YAC is multifaceted in its mission: It is aimed at progressing creative participation in order to bridge the social gap between art consumers and art creators. We identify art creation as an integral tool into societal wellbeing and want to make it an accessible, welcoming and inviting space to be in. We want to host collaborative spaces, residencies, workshops, pop-up exhibitions and community enrichment events in the Winelands region and greater Cape Town area to center art and creativity as a bonding tool among individuals of all backgrounds. We want to support artists in making a sustainable income by allowing them to facilitate these events and use them as an incubation space for new ideas. Our web platform is where artists can create passive income by selling bespoke art prints, products and textiles featuring their artwork so that they can focus on the creation of their art without worrying about marketing and having to build a brand simultaneously, in this digital age. The YAC will take care of marketing, production and shipping while ensuring the artists are paid proceeds from the website.

OUR CORE VALUES & CODE OF CONDUCT

The Glass Pocket Policy

Trust is earned through visibility.
a. Financial Openness: We commit to 100% transparency regarding sponsorship
allocation. Every partner and artist has the right to know how funds are distributed.
b. Honest Communication: We do not hide behind corporate jargon. We speak plainly
about our successes, our failures, and our fees.
c. Conflict of Interest: As a founder or office-bearer, any personal interest in a gallery or
artist being promoted must be disclosed immediately. We put the Collective’s mission
above personal gain.

The Open Table Policy

We are a movement, not a monopoly.
a. Non-Competition: We view other galleries and organizations as partners, not rivals. We
share resources, knowledge, and audiences to grow the entire creative industry as an
ecosystem.
b. Artist Voice: We do not speak for artists; we provide the platform for them to speak for
themselves. Decisions affecting the collective are made through consultation with the
board of Directors.

The Ownership Policy

We are responsible to the community we serve.
a. Market Access & Opportunity: We measure our success by the tangible opportunities we
create for artists to access different markets. While the Association cannot guarantee
individual sales we commit to providing high-quality, professional platforms that
maximize the potential for artist income.
b. Professional Excellence: We hold ourselves to high legal and professional standards.
We respect deadlines, protect intellectual property, and honor every contract.
c. Social Responsibility: We acknowledge that we operate in order to be of service. We
hope to uplift the community we serve by having regular feedback sessions so as to
acknowledge any suggestions or address any complaints by the YAC
community-members.

 THE ARTIST’S PLEDGE

Every artist joining the Collective agrees to share these values:
a. Professional Integrity: Represent your work honestly and honor the commitments made
to the Collective and its partners.
b. Supportive Culture: Actively encourage and uplift fellow artists within the YAC.
c. Active Participation: Understand that the Collective’s strength depends on the
engagement of its members.
d. Reciprocity: This collective can only be successful if artists have each other's best
interest.
e. Accountability: offer only what you are able to, take only what you need. Do not let the
board or another artist make an executive decision based on your shortcomings or set
expectations. Each has their own responsibility to show up in the way they portray
themselves.
f. Awareness: We agree to show up as supporters not competitors

THE BOARD PLEDGE

As the leadership of YAC, we agree:
a. To lead in the interest of the artists first.
b. To manage funds with the highest degree of fiduciary care.
c. To maintain compliance with all South African laws to protect the Collective’s reputation
and longevity.
d. To uphold a high ethical code which is required in order to set an example for the
collective.
e. To not be selective in our enforcement of our rules and values.