Charter

1.1. The Belarusian Association of Photographers (hereinafter referred to as the Association or BAP) is an independent, creative, voluntary public association – a union of professionals and enthusiasts in the field of photography.
The Association operates on the principles of self-governance, democracy, and transparency, with the purpose of jointly realizing civil, social, cultural, and other rights of its members.

1.2. The Association holds the status of a Republican public association and carries out its activities throughout the entire territory of the Republic of Belarus.

1.3. The Association conducts its activities in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of Belarus, the Culture Code of the Republic of Belarus, the Law of the Republic of Belarus “On Public Associations”, other legislative acts of the Republic of Belarus, and the present Charter.

1.4. The activities of the Association are based on the principles of legality, voluntariness, autonomy, transparency, election and collegiality of governing bodies, personal responsibility for assigned tasks, freedom of artistic expression, and commitment to the comprehensive development of photographic talent and the cultural enrichment of society as a whole.

1.5. The Association may join other public unions and associations operating within the Republic of Belarus, as well as participate in the creation of international public associations or unions abroad.
It may also become a member of international organizations, maintain direct international contacts and partnerships, conclude cooperation agreements, and engage in other activities consistent with the laws and international treaties of the Republic of Belarus.

1.6. The Association is a legal entity entitled to act as a plaintiff or defendant in courts of law, including arbitration or economic courts.
It possesses its own seal, stamps, official letterhead, and other organizational attributes, and may open bank accounts in both national and foreign currencies.
The Association may adopt official symbols and insignia, which are subject to registration in accordance with Belarusian legislation.

1.7. Regional and structural units of the Association may be granted legal status by decision of the Congress of the Belarusian Association of Photographers.

1.8. The registered office of the Association is located at:
7 Yanki Luchyny Street, Office 209,
Minsk, 220112, Republic of Belarus.

1.9. The full official name of the Association is:

• In Russian – Белорусское общественное объединение фотографов
• In Belarusian – Беларускае грамадскае аб’яднанне фатографаў
• In English – Belarusian Association of Photographers

The abbreviated name of the Association is:

• In Russian – БОО фотографов
• In Belarusian – БГА фатографаў

2.1. Scope of Activities
The scope of activities of the Belarusian Association of Photographers includes:

• Promoting the advancement of professional excellence in Belarusian photographic art across all its genres, disciplines, and forms of expression, and disseminating its achievements both within the Republic of Belarus and internationally.
• Preserving, enriching, and creatively utilizing the photographic heritage as an integral part of the cultural legacy of Belarus.

2.2. Objectives of the Association
The key objectives of the Association are:

• To foster the development of creative photography in the Republic of Belarus and to preserve the artistic heritage of Belarusian photographers of different generations.
• To promote and popularize various genres of photography throughout the Republic of Belarus.
• To highlight and publicize the creative and professional achievements of the Association’s members through the media and public platforms.
• To create favorable social, material, and technical conditions for the advancement of photographic art in the Republic of Belarus, including work with youth, social initiatives, and charitable activities.
• To protect the legal rights and legitimate interests of the Association’s members.
• To participate in the training and professional development of photographers and to contribute to the enhancement of photographic education.

2.3. Methods of Activity
To achieve its statutory goals and objectives, the Association shall employ the following methods:

• Organization and implementation of exhibitions, contests, lectures, seminars, training programs, and internships for its members, as well as other initiatives aimed at exchanging creative experience and promoting the achievements of photographic art in Belarus and abroad.
• Establishment within the Association of commissions, sections, or committees composed of its members, focusing on specific statutory areas (including exhibition, museum, archival, and other activities) and genres of photographic art.
• Dissemination of information regarding the Association’s activities, as well as publishing and other forms of communication intended to advance its statutory goals and objectives.
• Representation of the rights and legitimate interests of the Association’s members before state authorities, public institutions, and other organizations.

3.1. Membership Eligibility
Members of the Belarusian Association of Photographers may include citizens of the Republic of Belarus, as well as foreign nationals and stateless persons permanently residing in the Republic of Belarus, who are at least sixteen (16) years of age and who are engaged in creative activity in the field of photographic art.

Membership may also be granted to historians, theorists, critics, and collectors of photographic works; professionals involved in the preparation of photographic publications and exhibitions; experts in photographic science and technology; and educators in the history, theory, and technology of photography — as well as individuals who have made a significant contribution to the development and promotion of photography, who accept the provisions of this Charter and pay annual membership dues.

The Association maintains an individual (fixed) membership structure. Membership records are kept by the Chairperson of the Association through an official membership register.

3.2. Rights of Members
A member of the Association has the right to:

• Elect and, upon reaching the age of eighteen (18), be elected to the governing and audit bodies of the Association.
• Submit proposals for the improvement of the activities of the Association and its governing bodies.
• Obtain and review information concerning the activities of the Association and its organs.
• Use the material and technical facilities of the Association.
• Participate in events organized by or under the auspices of the Association.
• Make recommendations regarding the financial and other operational matters of the Association.
• Voluntarily withdraw from the Association at any time (the date of withdrawal shall be considered the date on which a written statement is submitted to the Association’s Council).

3.3. Duties of Members
Each member of the Association shall:

• Comply with the provisions of this Charter, as well as with the decisions of the Association’s collegial bodies and officials.
• Contribute, through their creative and professional activity, to the advancement of Belarusian photographic art.
• Assist in the organization and implementation of national exhibitions and projects conducted on behalf of or supported by the Association.
• Strive to improve their professional skills and artistic proficiency.
• Uphold the reputation and authority of the Association and safeguard its property.
• Pay membership dues in the manner and amount established by the Council.

3.4. Admission to Membership
Admission to the Association shall be decided by the Council of the Association by a majority vote. Council meetings shall be convened as necessary, but not less than once every three (3) months.

The Council’s task is to evaluate the applicant’s creative level and their achievements in exhibiting and disseminating original photographic works, publications, books, educational materials, and similar contributions. The Council also seeks to identify and invite talented photographers to join the Association. Consultation meetings may be held for prospective members.

Applications for membership are reviewed at the next scheduled meeting of the Council. Applicants may, prior to submission, obtain guidance from Council members. Consideration of applications requiring additional review may be deferred to a subsequent meeting. The Council must issue a decision no later than its second meeting following receipt of the application. The applicant’s personal attendance at the Council meeting is not required.

Decisions on admission (or refusal of admission) shall be made by a simple majority of votes of the Council members present. In the event of refusal, the applicant shall be provided with a written explanation signed by the Chairperson of the Association.

Applications for membership must be submitted to the Council in written or electronic form and accompanied by:

• A portfolio of 15–20 exhibition-quality photographs (no fewer than 15), each not smaller than 20×30 cm unless the author’s concept requires a smaller format. The portfolio may consist of a thematic series united by a common idea or artistic style. Supplementary materials such as slides, catalogues, publications, diplomas, etc. may also be provided. Digital files serve as supporting material only.
• A concise creative biography, including a list of personal and group exhibitions, publications (including online), contests, and similar activities.
• A completed application form of the standard format approved by the Council.
• Two letters of recommendation from current members of the Association, written in free form and explaining the grounds on which the applicant is deemed worthy of membership.
• Two passport-sized photographs (3×4 cm) for the preparation of a membership card.

Each approved member shall be issued an official membership card of the standard form established by the Council.

After the Council meeting, photographic works are returned to the author unless the Council decides to transfer them to the Belarusian Photography Fund of the Association.

3.5. Honorary Membership
For outstanding achievements in the history, theory, or practice of photographic art, or for significant contributions to the organization and promotion of photographic culture in Belarus and abroad, the Council of the Association may award the title of Honorary Member of the Belarusian Association of Photographers.

Honorary Members shall receive an official certificate and diploma, are exempt from the payment of membership dues, and enjoy all rights accorded to regular members of the Association.

3.6. Termination of Membership
Membership in the Association may be terminated:

• By voluntary withdrawal of the member, or
• By expulsion from the Association.

Expulsion may occur in cases of violation of this Charter, causing material damage to the Association, or committing acts that discredit its reputation.

Decisions on expulsion shall be made by the Council of the Association by a simple majority vote of the members present.

A person expelled from the Association may reapply for membership under the general procedure, but not earlier than one (1) year after expulsion.

Membership dues paid during the period of membership are non-refundable upon withdrawal or expulsion.

4.1. Structure of the Association
The structure of the Belarusian Association of Photographers is composed of its organizational units.

4.2. Organizational Units
Organizational units of the Association are formed on a territorial basis – by regions (oblasts), and, where necessary, by districts (raions).

4.3. Regional Organizations
The highest governing body of a regional organization shall be the General Assembly of the respective organizational unit.
The General Assembly shall be convened not more than once per year and shall be deemed valid if attended by more than half of the members of that organizational unit.
Decisions shall be considered adopted if supported by a simple majority of the members present.

The General Assembly of a regional organization shall:

• Establish its internal regulations, define the direction and program of its activities;
• Decide on matters within its competence as defined by this Charter.

The General Assembly elects the Head of the Regional Organization for a term of four (4) years.

The Regional Organization shall:

• Consider applications and appeals from members of the Association within its structure;
• Nominate candidates for Honorary Membership of the Association;
• Represent the interests of its members before the Association.

Heads of Regional Organizations shall be elected from among the members of the respective regional organization and approved by the Congress of the Association upon recommendation of the Chairperson of the Association.
They act in accordance with the Regulations on Regional Organizations and are accountable to the Chairperson and to the Association in accordance with current legislation.

4.4. Congress of the Association
The Congress is the supreme governing body of the Association. It shall be convened as necessary, but not less than once every four (4) years.
An extraordinary Congress may be convened by decision of the Council (on its own initiative), or upon the written request of at least one-third (1/3) of the total number of members of the Association, or upon the request of the Audit Commission.

The Congress shall be deemed valid if attended by a majority of the elected delegates.
Delegates are elected at local meetings of members residing within the administrative and territorial units of the Republic of Belarus, in accordance with the representation norms and procedures established by the Council.
The Council determines the agenda, date, venue, and time of the Congress.

Local meetings are deemed valid if attended by more than half of the members residing within the relevant administrative unit.
Decisions at such meetings, as well as at the Congress, are adopted by a simple majority of votes of the members present, except in cases otherwise specified by this Charter.

The form of voting shall be determined by the Congress.

4.5. Powers of the Congress
The Congress of the Association shall have the authority to:

• Define the main directions of the Association’s activities for the upcoming period;
• Adopt and amend the Charter of the Association;
• Determine the number of members of the Council (no fewer than nine persons) and elect them for a term of four (4) years;
• Elect candidates for membership in the Council;
• Elect the Audit Commission consisting of three (3) members for a term of four (4) years;
• Elect the Chairperson of the Association, who becomes a member of the Council, for a term of four (4) years;
• Elect the Heads of the creative and technical Sections of the Association.

The Congress may also consider any other matters relating to the statutory activities of the Association.

4.6. The Council of the Association
The Council is the governing body of the Association acting between Congresses.
It is elected by the Congress from among the members of the Association for a term of four (4) years and shall consist of no fewer than twelve (12) members, including the Heads of Sections.

The Council may remove from its composition members who systematically violate the meeting discipline, and may co-opt the most active photographers of the Association into its membership.

The work of the Council is directed by the Chairperson of the Association.

Council meetings shall be held as necessary, but at least once every three (3) months.
A meeting is valid if attended by at least half of the total number of Council members.
Decisions are made by a simple majority of votes of the members present.

4.7. Powers of the Council
On the proposal of the Chairperson, the Council shall:

• Determine the number and elect from among its members the Vice-Chairpersons of the Association;
• Define forms and methods for implementing the decisions of the Congress and organize their execution;
• Approve annual work plans and reports;
• Approve the annual financial plan and budget, determine expenditure for non-planned programs and activities;
• Act as the founder of other legal entities, approve their statutes, appoint their directors, and make decisions on their liquidation;
• Manage the property and assets of the Association;
• Define and establish commissions and creative Sections by genres or fields of activity, and approve their regulations, which shall not contradict this Charter;
• Approve the official seal, stamps, letterheads, and symbols of the Association;
• Set the amount and frequency of entrance and membership fees, and may decide on exemptions for individual members;
• Admit new members to the Association;
• Amend this Charter to reflect changes in legislation or the registered address of the Association;
• Maintain an official membership register, updating it as members are admitted or withdrawn;
• Review appeals against decisions of the Chairperson and take corrective measures if such decisions conflict with legislation or this Charter.

The Council may also consider any other issues of the Association’s statutory activity not assigned by this Charter to the competence of the Congress or the Audit Commission.

4.8. Appeals Against Council Decisions
Decisions of the Council may be appealed in writing to the Audit Commission within one (1) month from the date of the decision.
Decisions of the Audit Commission may, in turn, be appealed to the Congress, whose decision shall be final and not subject to further appeal.

4.9. Sections
The Sections of the Association are creative structures formed according to artistic genres, technical interests, or thematic fields of photographic activity.
Membership in Sections is open only to members of the Association.
Members may join multiple Sections simultaneously.

Heads of Sections are elected by the Congress for a term of four (4) years and become members of the Council.
Each Head of Section shall report annually to the Council on the activities of the Section.
The Audit Commission shall review the operations of the Sections.

4.10. Chairperson of the Association
The Chairperson of the Association must be a member of the Association possessing higher education and engaged in creative or organizational activities that promote, develop, or preserve photographic art and heritage.

The Chairperson is elected by the Congress for a term of four (4) years and may not serve more than two (2) consecutive terms.

The Chairperson has all the rights and responsibilities of the head of a legal entity, including the authority to:

• Administer the financial resources of the Association within the limits approved by the Council;
• Hire and dismiss employees, approve their job descriptions (which must not contradict this Charter);
• Represent the Association without power of attorney before government bodies, organizations, enterprises, institutions, and public associations.

The Chairperson may also consider any other matters of the Association’s statutory activity not assigned by this Charter to the Congress, Council, or Audit Commission.

4.11. Vice-Chairpersons
Vice-Chairpersons perform functions assigned to them by the Chairperson.
In the absence of the Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson shall act on behalf of the Chairperson pursuant to written authorization.

4.12. Audit Commission
The Audit Commission is the supervisory and audit body of the Association.
It is elected by the Congress from among the members of the Association and shall consist of three (3) persons.
A member of the Audit Commission may not simultaneously serve as a member of the Council.

4.13. Powers of the Audit Commission
The Audit Commission shall:

• Monitor compliance of the Association’s activities with applicable laws and this Charter;
• Audit the economic and financial activities of the governing bodies and organizational units of the Association;
• Ensure that members of the Association comply with this Charter;
• Verify the timeliness, legality, and justification of the Council’s consideration of complaints, letters, and statements submitted to the Association.

Meetings of the Audit Commission shall be held as necessary, but not less than twice per year.
The work of the Audit Commission is directed by its Chairperson, elected from among its members.
A meeting of the Audit Commission is valid if attended by at least three (3) members.
Decisions are adopted by a simple majority vote.

The requirements and instructions issued by the Audit Commission within its statutory competence are binding for all members and for the Council of the Association.
If necessary, the Audit Commission may engage auditors and other specialists to perform inspections.

Members of the Audit Commission may not serve on the Council or hold managerial or senior specialist positions in other legal entities established by the Association.
They may, however, participate in Council meetings with an advisory vote.

Decisions of the Audit Commission may be appealed to the Congress.

4.14. Documentation of Proceedings
All meetings of the collegial bodies of the Association shall be documented in minutes, and all audits shall be recorded in official acts (audit reports).

4.15. Remote Meetings
Meetings of all bodies of the Association – including supreme, governing, and audit bodies – may be conducted remotely via online communication, including audio or video conferencing, using modern telecommunication tools such as messengers, chat platforms, or web conferencing services.
Personal physical presence of members shall not be required for meetings conducted in such remote formats.

5.1. Ownership
The Belarusian Association of Photographers may possess any property necessary to ensure the implementation of its statutory objectives, except for property that, under the legislation of the Republic of Belarus, may be owned exclusively by the State.

5.2. Financial Resources
The financial resources of the Association shall be formed from the following sources:

• Entrance and membership fees;
• Revenues generated from lectures, exhibitions, and other events organized in pursuit of the Association’s statutory purposes;
• Income from entrepreneurial or commercial activities carried out in accordance with applicable legislation;
• Voluntary donations and contributions;
• Other sources not prohibited by the laws of the Republic of Belarus.

5.3. Use of Funds and Property
The monetary and other assets of the Association shall not be distributed among its members and shall be used exclusively for achieving the statutory aims and objectives of the Association.

5.4. Liability
The Association shall not be liable for the obligations of its members, and likewise, its members shall not be liable for the obligations of the Association.

6.1. General Provisions
The activities of the Association may be terminated through reorganization or liquidation.

6.2. Reorganisation
Reorganization of the Association may be carried out by decision of the Congress, adopted by no less than two-thirds (2/3) of the votes of the delegates present.

6.3. Liquidation
The Association may be liquidated:
By decision of the Congress, adopted by no less than two-thirds (2/3) of the votes of the delegates present; or
By decision of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Belarus, in cases and procedures established by law.

6.4. Liquidation Procedure
Liquidation shall be carried out by a Liquidation Commission, appointed by the body that adopted the decision to liquidate the Association.
In its work, the Liquidation Commission shall act in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Belarus.

6.5. Distribution of Property
In the event of liquidation, the property of the Association shall first be directed toward the settlement of its financial and contractual obligations in accordance with the law.
Any remaining property, after the satisfaction of creditors, shall be allocated, by decision of the Liquidation Commission, toward the statutory purposes of the Association.

1. Addition to Clause 1.3
Sub-clause 1.3 shall be supplemented with the following paragraph:

“The Association shall be obliged to observe the Constitution of the Republic of Belarus, the Law of the Republic of Belarus ‘On Public Associations’, other legislative acts, and its own Charter.The Association shall ensure adherence to the fundamental directions of domestic and foreign policy and the concept of national security as approved by the All-Belarusian People’s Assembly.”

2. Addition to Clause 1.4
Sub-clause 1.4 shall be supplemented with the following paragraph:

“The activities of the Association aimed at the violent alteration of the constitutional order, the propagation of war, or the incitement of social, national, religious, or racial hostility, as well as the commission of terrorist or other extremist acts, and any other actions prohibited by law, are strictly forbidden.”

3. Addition to Clause 1.6
Sub-clause 1.6 shall be supplemented with the following paragraph:

“The official symbols of the Association (flag, anthem, emblem, badge, pennant, necktie, lapel pins, or identification insignia) shall not serve the purposes of promoting war, terrorism, extremist activity, or any other actions prohibited by the legislation of the Republic of Belarus.”