Frequently Asked Questions
What is theNCF?
theNCF Cultural Co-operative is a community-led, member-owned cultural space in Ballina, County Mayo. We’re a cooperative organization that provides a venue for arts, culture, and community events.
How do I become a member?
You can become a member by visiting our Membership page. Membership gives you access to our facilities, voting rights in the cooperative, and the ability to participate in decision-making processes.
How do I book the space for an event?
Visit our Bookings page for information on booking the space. We have specific booking rules and procedures that all promoters must follow. Members of the cooperative have priority access to booking the venue.
Where is theNCF located?
We’re located on Pearse Street in Ballina, County Mayo, Ireland. Check our Contact page for directions and more information.
What are the booking rules?
Booking Priority
All members may book the space. When conflicts arise, the following priority order applies:
- One-off events - Funded or date-bound events (Culture Night events, film festivals, photo exhibitions)
- Touring artists - Visiting artists bringing new programming to the local scene
- Member events - Events organized by or featuring cooperative members, especially youth focuesd events
- All other bookings
Conflict Resolution
When multiple bookings fall within the same priority level, conflicts will be resolved using these methods:
- Space sharing arrangements
- Date swapping between parties
- Random selection (coinflip or similar)
Dispute Process
- Clashes can be managed by chatting in the pomoters whatsapp group (ask to be added) and face to face meetings. No email please.
- Contact volunteers during reasonable hours onlyl.
- Resources are limited, we ask everyone to accept compromise in the spirit of the colletive and to keep communication friendly.
Cleaning & Maintenance
- Promoters must commit to a cleaning completion date at time of booking
- Minimum cleaning checklist must be followed:
- Toilet
- Garbage removal
- Mop floors
- Damaged equipment must be repaired or replaced at the user’s expense
- Additional disposal service fee of 10 euro will be requested if cleanup is not completed as promised.
Voluntary Payment Contribution.
You can pay in cash, by bank transfer (payment link will be sent) or using credit (e.g. can / bottle deposit refund).
A payment link will be emailed to you after the event.
What is theNCF's legal structure?
Legal Evolution
2023 - theNCF began as an unincorporated association and adopted the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) principles to organize as a cooperative.
2024 - We transitioned to a Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG) to provide legal indemnification for members once we moved into our premises and to facilitate working with funding organizations.
What is a CLG?
A Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG) is the preferred legal structure for non-profit organizations in Ireland. Key features include:
- Members guarantee a nominal amount (typically €1-€2) rather than holding shares
- No shareholders or dividend distribution
- Limited liability protection for members and directors
- Recognized legal entity that can enter contracts, own property, and apply for funding
- Governed by a constitution and company law
Why CLG?
We chose CLG status because:
- Legal protection - Indemnifies members and directors from personal liability
- Credibility - Recognized structure for dealing with local authorities and funding bodies
- Flexibility - Lower compliance burden than registered cooperatives or charities
- Practicality - Full audit requirements for registered co-ops and charities would create unsustainable overhead for our organization
Cooperative Principles
While we are legally a CLG, we remain committed to ICA cooperative principles in our governance and operations.
Registration Details
- Legal Status: Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG)
- Company Number: 767209
- Tax Clearance: Available upon request
- VAT Status: Not VAT registered
How does theNCF maintain financial transparency?
Bank Account
theNCF operates a single bank account:
- Account Holder: THENCF cultural cooperative
- IBAN: IE41SUMU99036510863306
- BIC: SUMUIE22XXX
- Financial Institution: SumUp Limited
Published Accounts
Financial accounts are published as they become available in the News section of this website.
Member Access
All members have the right to inspect the cooperative’s finances. To request:
- Bank statements
- Read-only access to the bank account
- Other financial documentation
Contact: info@thencf.art