Galway Uke Fest Governance Policy & Articles of Association

Company Name: Galway Uke Fest CLG
Company Number: 721997
Tax Reference Number: 412996SH
Date of Adoption: 1/4/25

1. Introduction

Galway Uke Fest CLG is a not-for-profit Company Limited by Guarantee established to celebrate and promote the ukulele and music culture by creating an inclusive, vibrant festival that nurtures community, education, and artistic expression. The organisation runs an annual four-day music festival and year-round activities including concerts, workshops, artist development, community outreach, and tourism promotion.

2. Legal Structure

Galway Uke Fest is incorporated in Ireland as a Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG) and is not a registered charity. All income is reinvested in the company’s mission and no profits are distributed to members. The company is audited annually and holds public liability insurance.

3. Mission and Objectives

Mission:
To promote community, music education, creativity and tourism in Galway through ukulele music and cultural programming.

Objectives:

  • Organise and deliver a four-day ukulele music festival in Galway each June.

  • Host concerts, workshops, and public events featuring Irish and international artists.

  • Support artist development through education and performance opportunities.

  • Deliver outreach and community engagement initiatives.

  • Contribute to local economic activity and tourism through cultural events.

  • Foster participation and inclusivity in music and the arts.

4. Board of Directors

The organisation is governed by a Board of Directors:

  • Gerry Savage (Chair)

  • Brendan Savage

  • Shane Lynch

  • Jane Hanberry

Board members have voting rights and may serve a maximum of seven years, renewable once. The board meets quarterly and more frequently in the lead-up to the festival.

While board members are not paid for their role as directors, they may be paid for services provided to the organisation (e.g. creative programming, production management, marketing). All such arrangements are properly approved by the board, with any conflicts of interest declared and managed in line with best practice.

5. Membership

Galway Uke Fest is a company limited by guarantee with no shareholders. Membership of the company is held by board members or others admitted by the board. Members have the right to vote at general meetings. Membership may be terminated by resignation or board decision.

6. Meetings and Decision-Making

  • The board meets at least four times per year.

  • Additional meetings are held as needed in the run-up to the festival.

  • Decisions are made by majority vote; the Chair has a casting vote in the event of a tie.

  • The quorum for board meetings is 50% of voting members.

  • Minutes are recorded for all board meetings.

The company holds an Annual General Meeting (AGM) each year. Extraordinary General Meetings (EGMs) may be called by the board or members in accordance with the Companies Act 2014. Quorum for general meetings is two members.

7. Financial Oversight

  • Galway Uke Fest’s accounts are audited annually by Lillis Egan O Beirn & Co.

  • The board approves the annual budget and monitors financial performance.

  • The organisation currently holds no financial reserve but aims to build financial sustainability over time.

  • Income and property are applied solely to the company’s objectives.

  • No portion of company income or property is transferred to members or directors by way of profit.

  • Directors and members may be paid for services provided to the organisation, such as creative or operational work, provided this is in good faith, reasonably priced, and approved by the board with conflict-of-interest procedures followed.

8. Insurance and Risk Management

  • Galway Uke Fest holds public liability insurance each year via Event Insure.

  • Risk assessments are completed annually during festival planning.

  • The organisation does not currently work with children or vulnerable adults, and therefore does not maintain a formal safeguarding policy.

9. Data Protection

  • Galway Uke Fest is GDPR compliant.

  • Any personal data collected (e.g. for ticketing or newsletters) is securely stored and used only for legitimate organisational purposes.

  • A data protection and privacy policy is in place and reviewed as needed.

10. Dissolution

If the company is wound up:

  • Any remaining funds will be returned to relevant funders, where contractually required.

  • If not required by funders, funds will be transferred to a similar organisation with comparable aims, preferably the Galway Ukulele Club.

11. Review and Amendments

This Governance Policy and the Articles of Association may be reviewed annually by the board. Amendments to the Articles must be made by special resolution of the members in accordance with the Companies Act 2014.

End of Document
For more information, please contact: info@galwayukefest.com