The emergence of the “Global Cooperative Creative Economy” represents a fundamental paradigm shift in the model of cultural production. This new economic order within the creative industries serves as a revolutionary alternative, deeply rooted in the scientific philosophy of “cooperativism” and the principles of “Commons-Based Peer Production” (CBPP). The “International Cooperative for Arts, Sciences and Technology” (I COAST) serves as a vital institutional framework for this transition, as the cooperative creative economy finds its theoretical foundations in the rejection of the “atomistic individualism” that has dominated economic thought since the Enlightenment. Instead, it proposes a holistic and interactionist vision of human agency, sustained by a vast international network of creators and thinkers, where knowledge and creativity are understood as collective achievements rather than solitary pursuits. This philosophical shift serves as a cornerstone for understanding the association’s mandate to maintain an “encyclopedic scope of action that transcends the constraints of its time.”
The transition within the cultural and artistic industries from a competitive creative economy to a cooperative one requires a new “social ontology” that moves beyond the caricature of Homo economicus. The “old” economic model is based on an atomistic conception of human nature and a belief in market equilibrium as a “physics of social behavior.” In contrast, the cooperative model is rooted in principles of complexity and evolution, viewing the community of those engaged in the consumption of culture and arts as a “Complex Adaptive System” (CAS). A critical distinction in this new ontology lies between systems composed of agents following individual adaptive strategies (CAS2) and systems that are adaptive as a whole (CAS1). The cooperative creative economy recognizes that pro-social and cooperative entities do not automatically emerge from individualistic competition, but rather require specific conditions for such emergence. The International Cooperative for Arts, Sciences and Technology is designed to facilitate this emergence by removing barriers to coordination and providing shared media for collaboration through “stigmergy”—a process wherein the actions of one member create the conditions that enable or reinforce the actions of another. This “relational agency” allows for the stabilization of patterns of “relational fit,” where the collective transforms into an active, federated agent capable of coordinated action.
The International Cooperative for Arts, Sciences and Technology operates according to the economic model of “Commons-Based Peer Production” (CBPP). This model identifies non-market resources for information, knowledge, and cultural production that are managed as a public good (commons) rather than as private property. For any cooperative project to function effectively under this model, it must be structured according to key dimensions:
- Modularity: The project must be divisible into components (federated units) that can be produced independently.
- Granularity: The size of these units must be small enough to allow for varying levels of commitment. This “low-cost integration” ensures that both experts and occasional volunteers can contribute meaningfully to the collective whole.
- Governance of the Commons: Peer production eliminates the need for hierarchical bureaucracies, relying instead on “participant-driven” working methods.
The current model of knowledge construction is often described as unsustainable, dominated by a publishing “oligarchy” that exploits authors and privileges the Global North. The “Knowledge Commons” approach proposed by the association serves as an antidote to these monopolies. By treating software, design, and scientific knowledge as immaterial resources held in common, the cooperative ensures that innovation is directed toward maximum quality and sustainability, rather than “planned obsolescence.”
This “Open Cooperativism” model possesses inherent advantages over proprietary models, as it dissolves the fragmentation and marginalization often associated with the “Gig Economy.” Through open-book accounting and transparent supply chains, the cooperative coordinates production based on collective needs to develop and expand its work, rather than based on market pricing.
Publishing and artistic cooperatives must overcome structural constraints such as undercapitalization and low risk tolerance. The association addresses this through a “federated” structure, where shared services allow small groups to achieve market leverage and economies of scale when purchasing technology or distribution services.
The resources of the association explicitly exclude proceeds from the sale of individual works by members, focusing instead on “collaborative works.” This ensures that the organization remains a collective endeavor, where risks and benefits are shared proportional to patronage and contribution. Surplus funds are reinvested into the development of the cooperative, the establishment of capital reserves, or the support of new cultural and artistic activities.
The creative economy is increasingly recognized as a “strategic pillar” for 21st-century development. The association adopts the “Quintuple Helix Innovation Model,” which integrates government, academia, industry, civil society, and the environment. This model operates in a framework that emphasizes:
- Transdisciplinarity: Integrating diverse fields to address global challenges within the market of cultural and artistic production.
- Social Responsibility: Ensuring that creative and scientific outputs serve the collective interest.
- Heterogeneity: Valuing organizational diversity and the inclusion of “outsider” perspectives.
The association is composed of “Associate Members” who embrace the ideals of the cooperative spirit. Membership is approved by the Board, with dues adjusted based on the member’s country of residence to account for global economic disparities. This commitment to “intersectional equity” ensures that financial status is not a barrier to participation in the global creative economy.
I COAST
Statutes
International Cooperative for Arts, Sciences and Technology
Article 1 – Name of the Association
An association governed by the law of July 1, 1901, and the decree of August 16, 1901, is hereby established among the signatories of these statutes, under the name:
International Cooperative for Arts, Sciences and Technology
Article 2 – Purpose
The association’s purpose is the promotion of Surrealism and related or similar activities and movements of thought. It works to develop Surrealism and the Experimental Arts through the following missions:
The association’s purpose is to promote Surrealism, as well as related or similar activities and movements of thought. It works to develop experimental and progressive arts through the following missions:
1. Promotion of Surrealism and Experimental Arts
• Theoretical Foundations: To promote Surrealism as defined by the 1924 Manifesto as “pure psychic automatism,” aiming to express the actual functioning of thought.
• Expansion of Forms: To support the historical and contemporary practice of Surrealism, which is not limited to automatism but extends to all forms of intellectual and material works.
• Progressive Arts: To foster progressive artistic expressions, including the production of experimental hybrid music, sound art (Sound/Poetry), and support for “outsider” artists.
• Theoretical Foundations: To promote progressive artistic expression, including the production of experimental hybrid music, sound art (Sound/Poetry), and support for “outsider” artists. 2. Translation and International Collaborative Exchange
• Collaborative Translation: Implementing international literary translation projects to promote the free flow of ideas.
• International Events: Organizing global literary and artistic events and facilitating cultural exchange agreements.
3. Education, Publishing, and Modern Technologies
• Technical Training: Teaching and disseminating knowledge about modern publishing methods and digital tools.
• Experimental Publishing: Developing expertise in modern publishing to merge the arts and literature in innovative formats.
• Global Distribution: Developing global distribution mechanisms, particularly through print-on-demand.
4. Creative Economy and Human Sciences
• Collaborative Economy: Promoting practices related to the collaborative creative economy to overcome the constraints of the traditional market.
• Human Sciences: Identify and disseminate new discoveries in the “Human Sciences” to enrich contemporary creation.
• Encyclopedic Approach: Maintain an encyclopedic and revolutionary scope of action.
Article 3 – Registered Office of the Association
The registered office of the association is located at the following address: 28, rue des Joannes – 28190 Saint-Germain-le-Gaillard.
It may be moved by a simple decision of the board of directors, which has the power to amend the statutes on this matter.
The association permanently guarantees its capacity to represent itself within French territory for the fulfillment of its legal, administrative, and tax obligations.
Article 4 – Association Composition – Admission Requirements – Exclusion Requirements
A – Composition
The association is composed of individuals interested in its purpose and wishing to contribute to it.
The association has an international scope. Its members may reside in any country in the world, provided they have access to the Internet, email, and the World Wide Web.
The association is composed of:
1. Associate Members:
Associate members regularly participate in all the association’s activities and in the implementation of its project.
They embrace the ideals of the cooperative spirit and promote the association, its objectives, and its activities.
To become an associate member, one must submit an application to the president of the association and be approved by the board of directors, whose decision is final and without having to justify its reasons.
Membership is contingent upon payment of annual dues, the amount of which is set each year by the Annual General Meeting, upon the recommendation of the Board of Directors.
Given the international nature of the association and the economic disparities between the countries of the members, the annual dues may be adjusted based on the member’s country of origin.
Members participate in the Annual General Meeting with voting rights and are eligible to be elected to the Board of Directors.
B- Membership
The Board reserves the right to accept or reject applications for membership, in accordance with legal provisions. No reason needs to be given for a rejection.
C – Loss of Membership
Membership is lost through:
• Resignation, provided the member concerned has previously informed the president of the association, or failing that, the board of directors, of their decision to terminate their membership, either by email, hand-delivered letter, or registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt. A minimum period of 15 calendar days must be observed between the date of delivery or receipt of the letter and the intended termination date for the request to be valid;
• Death;
• Expulsion by the Board in the event of non-payment of dues, after two unanswered reminders;
Furthermore, the board reserves the right to expel a member of the association for one of the following reasons: prolonged lack of participation in the association’s activities, activities contrary to the association’s objectives, or in the event of serious misconduct.
In this case, prior to expulsion, the member will have the opportunity to present their defense, either in writing, in person, or remotely, at the board meeting deciding on their expulsion. They may be assisted by a person of their choice.
Article 5 – Board of Directors – Executive Committee
A – Board of Directors: Composition and Powers
The association is managed and administered by a board of directors composed of at least five members, elected by the annual general meeting for a one-year term.
Members of the board of directors assume their duties from the day of their election, subject to their acceptance, until the appointment of their successors at the annual general meeting called to approve the financial statements for the fiscal year in which their term expires. The duties of the board of directors are performed on a voluntary basis.
The board of directors is entirely renewed at the end of the one-year term of its members. Outgoing members of the board of directors are eligible for re-election.
In the event of a vacancy on the board of directors, the board shall provisionally fill the vacancy by co-opting a new member. A permanent replacement shall be elected at the next general meeting. The appointed member remains in office for the remainder of the term. They have the same powers as the other members of the board of directors. It is specified that only members of the association eligible for the board of directors may be co-opted.
The Board of Directors meets at least every three months, convened by the president, or at the request of three of its members.
The notice of meeting, which includes the agenda, is sent to each board member by email at least 15 days before the scheduled date. Only items on the agenda may be discussed.
Board of Directors meetings are held remotely. In the event of persistent difficulties with the remote meeting tools, the data and documents necessary for the meeting are made available to the board members online, and discussions and votes are conducted by email.
The board of directors can only validly deliberate if half of its members are present or represented. If this quorum is not reached, the board of directors is convened again, but at least eight days later. It can then validly deliberate regardless of the number of members present or represented.
Each member of the board of directors has one vote. Proxy voting is authorized by a power of attorney given to another member of the board of directors, but no one may hold more than one proxy.
Decisions of the board of directors are made by an absolute majority of the votes cast by the members present or represented. In the event of a tie, the president’s vote prevails.
Minutes are kept of the board of directors’ deliberations. The minutes are signed by the president and the secretary. They are recorded in a register of deliberations, which is available for consultation by any members who request it.
The Board of Directors is vested with the broadest powers to perform or authorize all acts or operations within the scope of its purpose and which do not fall under the purview of the General Assembly. It authorizes the President to take legal action; it oversees the management of the Executive Committee members and has the right to demand an accounting of their actions; it approves the budget and the annual accounts of the Association.
This list is not exhaustive
B – Executive Committee: Composition and Powers
At each renewal, the Board of Directors elects an Executive Committee from among its members for a one-year term. The Executive Committee consists of:
• a President;
• a Treasurer;
• a Secretary.
The President:
represents the association in all legal matters.
The President may be of any nationality and is not required to reside in France, in accordance with the Law of July 1, 1901, concerning the contract of association.
The President may represent the association in legal proceedings, both as plaintiff and defendant.
The President ensures the smooth internal operation of the association’s services. The President authorizes expenditures in accordance with the budget approved by the Board of Directors.
When the President does not reside in France, the President appoints a representative residing in France from among the members of the Board of Directors or the Executive Committee.
This representative is authorized to:
• handle administrative procedures (prefecture, declarations, subsidies, etc.)
• maintain relations with government agencies and partners
• represent the association for day-to-day management matters
This appointment is formalized in writing, specifying the scope of the powers conferred.
The president may also delegate some of their powers to any member of the board. In the president’s absence or inability to act, they are replaced by a director appointed by the Board of Directors.
The president is authorized to open and operate the association’s bank accounts.
However, when the president does not reside in France, the Board of Directors may:
• require co-signature with an officer residing in France;
• or delegate bank signing authority to a member of the board residing in France.
The operating procedures for the accounts are specified by a decision of the Board of Directors or, if applicable, by the internal regulations.
The Treasurer:
Oversees the preparation of the association’s annual accounts. Like the President, they are authorized to open and manage the association’s accounts. They make all payments and collect all receipts under the President’s supervision. They maintain accurate records of all transactions and report to the Annual General Meeting, which approves the financial statements.
The Secretary:
Is responsible for maintaining the association’s various registers and ensuring compliance with all reporting and administrative formalities. They draft and sign the minutes of the General Meeting, the Board of Directors meetings, and the executive committee’s decisions. They record the decisions of the Executive Committee, the Board of Directors, and the Ordinary and Extraordinary General Meetings. This responsibility may be held by another member of the Executive Committee, such as the Treasurer.
As a collegial body, the Executive Committee manages the day-to-day operations of the association between Board of Directors meetings.
It oversees the implementation of decisions made by the board of directors and the general assembly and prepares the work of the board of directors.
It meets as often as necessary, convened by the president or any of its members.
The final agenda may be established at the start of the meeting.
In case of emergency, the president may consult the members of the executive committee and address a question by telephone conference, email, or video conference. A decision may then be made, if necessary, without convening an executive committee meeting, unless a member requests it. Each member of the executive committee has one vote. Proxy votes are not permitted.
Article 6: Ordinary General Meeting
The Ordinary General Meeting comprises all members of the association who are up-to-date with their membership fees.
It meets at least once a year and whenever deemed necessary. It includes all members of the association who are up-to-date with their membership fees for the fiscal year in progress at the date of the meeting notice.
The Ordinary General Meeting is held remotely and electronically, in the form of an audiovisual conference. The procedures for organizing this virtual General Meeting are determined by the Board of Directors and may, if necessary, be further specified in the internal regulations.
In the event of persistent technical difficulties with the remote meeting tools, a file containing all the information necessary for the General Meeting’s decision-making is made available online via the World Wide Web, and members’ votes, comments, and proposed amendments are submitted by the Association members via email.
The results of the General Assembly’s work are made available to the Association’s members via the World Wide Web.
The General Assembly is convened by the President, by email at least one month before the scheduled date. The agenda is set by the Board of Directors and is attached to the notice of meeting. Only items on the agenda may be discussed. An ordinary general meeting may also be convened at the request of at least one-third of the Association’s members. In this case, the procedures for convening the meeting, as well as the selection and drafting of the agenda, are determined by the requesting members themselves.
The following have voting rights at the general meeting:
• Members who are up-to-date with their membership dues for the current fiscal year;
• Honorary members and benefactors who have voting rights at the general meeting, in accordance with the provisions of Article 4 of these statutes.
On the day of the meeting, each member meeting the conditions stated above has one vote.
Members summoned may be represented by another member, upon presentation of a valid proxy, but no member may hold more than two proxies.
The list of members present and/or represented is drawn up by the secretary and approved by the general meeting.
Notwithstanding this provision, proxies sent in blank to the association’s registered office are presumed to express a vote in favor of any proposed resolution presented by the board of directors, with the exception of the election of board members, for which they are excluded.
Decisions are made by a simple majority of the votes cast by the members present or represented. They are binding on all members, even those absent. In the event of a tie, the president’s vote is decisive.
The President, assisted by the members of the Board of Directors, presides over the General Assembly and presents the Association’s activities and overall status.
The Treasurer reports on their management and submits the annual accounts for approval by the General Assembly.
The General Assembly.
• hears the management reports for the past year, presented by the board (activity report, moral and financial status of the association);
• approves the financial statements for the past year;
• decides on the allocation of profits;
• decides on future directions and the corresponding budget;
• approves the amount of the annual membership fee and the various activity fees;
• deliberates on the items on the agenda;
• proposes, discusses, decides on, and plans new projects, new areas of activity, and new actions;
• appoints the heads of the various projects, actions, and activities undertaken by the Association;
• approves the execution or implementation of the Association’s actions and activities and proposes changes or requests corrections when necessary;
• decides on the amount of membership fees based on the country of residence of its members.
The ordinary general meeting appoints or re-elects the members of the board, ensuring equal access for men and women in proportions that reflect the overall membership.
Minutes are drawn up for the proceedings of the ordinary general meeting. These minutes are signed by the chair and the secretary. They are recorded in a register of proceedings, which is available for consultation by members upon request.
Article 7 – Extraordinary General Meeting
Whenever deemed necessary, or at the request of five members of the General Meeting, the President may convene an Extraordinary General Meeting to address any matter involving amendments to the bylaws, the dissolution of the association, or the disposition of any of the association’s assets. These proposals must have been previously approved by the Board of Directors and are attached to the notice of meeting.
The procedures for convening and deliberating are the same as for an ordinary general meeting.
Article 8 – Resources
Resources include:
– Membership fees,
– Donations,
– Public subsidies,
– Proceeds from online fundraising (crowdfunding),
– Any proceeds from the sale of collaborative works produced by the association.
More generally, the association’s resources consist of all those not prohibited by law or regulations.
They exclude any proceeds from the sale of individual works by members of the association.
Article 9 – Internal Regulations
The board of directors may establish internal regulations to supplement these statutes. These internal regulations are intended to address various points not covered by the bylaws, particularly those relating to the internal administration of the association, the procedures for accessing the activities offered by the association, the fees associated with participating in these activities, and the rules governing the association’s daily operations and activities.
Article 10 – Dissolution
In the event of dissolution, an extraordinary general meeting will appoint one or more persons to liquidate the association’s assets, in accordance with the provisions of the Law of July 1, 1901, and its implementing decree of August 16, 1901. The net assets will be allocated to one or more associations with a similar purpose and which undertake to continue, in whole or in part, the association’s objectives.
Under no circumstances may members of the association be allocated any share of the association’s assets, except for the return of their initial contributions.
Article 11 – Fiscal Year
The fiscal year of the International Cooperative for Arts, Sciences and Technology begins on January 1st and ends on December 31st of each year. Exceptionally, the first fiscal year begins one full day after the publication of the association’s incorporation in the Official Journal and ends on December 31st of the year…
______________________________________________________________________________