(Click here for print-ready format)

1. Name

The name of the foundation is Norsk museum for fotografi - Preus fotomuseum.

2. Objectives

Norsk museum for fotografi - Preus fotomuseum is to cover the artistic, cultural and technical aspects of photography. Through research, collection and conservation activities, the museum is to create a basis for knowledge, understanding and experience of photography as a cultural manifestation over the years, as a social phenomenon, and as a form of aesthetic and artistic expression. By presenting the history of photography, the museum is to promote knowledge, understanding and experience of photography as a means of portraying nature, culture and society in a way that depicts both continuity and change, relationships and distinctions. Furthermore, as the national museum of photography, the museum is to provide expert assistance to other cultural institutions wishing to promote photography, photographic technology, etc. The museum is to assist the Norwegian State in acquiring Norwegian and international photographs, artefacts and other relevant material. The museum is to cooperate with other institutions in Norway and abroad.

3. Basic capital

The foundation has a basic capital of NOK 50 000.

4. Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is appointed by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs on behalf of the Norwegian State, and is to consist of five members and two substitutes. The Ministry appoints the Chairman of the Board. Board members and substitutes are to serve a term of four years, with the possibility of reappointment for one further term. Board meetings are to be held when the Chairman considers it necessary, or when requested by at least three members of the Board. At least three members of the Board must be present to form a quorum. In the event of a tied vote, the Chairman has the casting vote. The Director is to attend Board meetings, but is not entitled to vote. Minutes of Board meetings are to be kept. The Board may grant power of attorney. The Chairman is the authorised signatory of the Board.

5. Duties of the Board

The Board is responsible for the running of the museum, and is to ensure that the foundation’s objectives are promoted in accordance with operational guidelines and financial circumstances. The Board is to work with the management team to ensure the best possible operating conditions, optimum utilisation of resources and high quality throughout the activities of the museum.

The Board is also to:

a) Ensure that adequate security arrangements apply to the museum collections.

b) Draw up a job description for the post of Director.

c) Submit a budget within set time limits.

d) Ensure that accounting and financial management are supervised as effectively as possible. The financial year is to be coterminous with the calendar year, and the accounts must be finalised no later than three months after year-end. The annual report and accounts and auditor’s report are to be submitted to the Ministry no later than 1 May every year.

e) Appoint members of staff.

f) Take decisions on matters of importance to the operations of the museum.

6. Duties of the Director

The Director

● is in charge of day-to-day management, and is to comply with the guidelines and instructions issued by the Board

● is to ensure that the operations of the museum are organised satisfactorily

● makes recommendations on staff appointments, apart from the appointment of his own successor

● draws up a draft budget and prepares matters for submission to the Board.

7. Museum collections

The museum collections are to be the property of the Norwegian State and are not to be disposed of, loaned out or mortgaged without the written consent of the Ministry.

8. Financial borrowing

Financial borrowing and other major financial decisions require the written consent of the Ministry.

9. Auditing

The foundation’s accounts are to be audited by an auditor. The appointment of an auditor is subject to approval by the Ministry. The audit is to be conducted in accordance with the applicable legislation on audits and auditors and with the guidelines laid down by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs on financial management and monitoring within institutions/organisations in receipt of public funding. Riksrevisjonen (the Office of the Auditor General) must be allowed to confirm that grants from public funds are being spent in accordance with the conditions attached. Riksrevisjonen has the right to demand access to any information it deems necessary in this regard and may conduct its own investigations at the foundation.

10. Amendment of constitution

Proposals to amend the constitution may be tabled by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and by the Board. Any amendment to the constitution must be passed by the Board with a two-thirds majority and is subject to approval by the Ministry.

Approved by the Board, 8 March 1995

Approved by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, 13 March 1996

Top of page