Code of Conduct
LAS Art Foundation (Light Art Space gGmbh) is a non-profit organisation, with the founding statute to promote science, research, art and culture. It uses its funds only for the purposes set out in its statutes, and exclusively pursues charitable purposes within the meaning of the section "Tax-privileged purposes" of the Tax Code of the Federal Republic of Germany.
Goals of LAS Art Foundation’s Code of Conduct
— Empower all those who act on LAS’s behalf to cooperate with integrity
— Guide individuals as well as organisations who work and collaborate with LAS
— Protect and sustain the integrity, reputation and longevity of LAS
This Code of Conduct ensures that above our legal obligations we hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards. It is reviewed every two years and it is complemented by the LAS Charter, which outlines our mission, vision, values and goals as an organisation.
1. Ethical conduct
For LAS, ethical conduct means Creative Collaborators, Board Members and Partners (hereafter referred to as “Covered Individuals”) are looking to:
— Treat the communities we serve and work with equally, honestly and with respect
— Provide accurate, insightful and accessible information for the public
— Support freedom of speech and debate, while safeguarding individual dignity
— Use our resources for the public good
— Uphold the highest level of institutional integrity and personal conduct at all times
— Build respectful and transparent relationships with all stakeholders
— Uphold our professional integrity in their private lives, as representatives of LAS
2. Diversity, equity and inclusion
As in the LAS Charter, we value diversity, equality and inclusion. Covered Individuals ensure that events and exhibitions we produce are enjoyable for people of a range of ages, ethnicities, genders, educational background and perspectives, and in addition that they are accessible, both physically and in terms of content. LAS is an equal opportunities employer and promotes D.E.&I.
3. Environment and Sustainability
As in the LAS Charter, it is essential LAS complies with all relevant environmental legislation and standards, and follows an internal protocol of minimising emissions using the most sustainable, resource-conserving options. In addition, vendors and providers must be assessed for energy efficiency. LAS monitors the carbon footprint of our exhibitions and events, offsets its energy consumption and runs its operations on sustainable energy sources. We expect environmental commitment from all Covered Individuals.
4. Political participation
It is understood that Covered Individuals can and do participate in political campaigns in their individual capacities and without any use of LAS resources. Steps must be taken to ensure that individual political participation will not be attributed to LAS or make use of LAS’ resources. LAS does not participate in political campaign activities and while it supports freedom of speech it also defends the right of individuals to their dignity and will intervene if any projects appear to encroach on the dignity of others.
5. Conflicts of Interest
Covered Individuals will separate personal interests from the interests of the organisation. In the event of any other conflict of interest between LAS and an individual, LAS's interest must prevail. When uncertainty arises, the CEO, CFO, the board or Chairman must be consulted.
— Timely disclosure: It is expected that covered individuals immediately and fully disclose any known or potential conflict of interest, and any history that could be perceived as out of line with this code
— Gifts: Covered individuals avoid undue influence by not accepting gifts, favours or other benefits that could influence us in our business and artistic decisions. Conversely, we do not offer such gratuities to influence in our favour. We do not allow the acceptance of advantages on the basis of personal relationships.
— Lobbying: We are registered in the Lobby Register Act.
6. Handling of LAS information and resources
All Covered Individuals must take care to safeguard personal data, confidential information, intellectual property and operational or financial information not publicly available. The same applies to company property, including work equipment such as PCs, notebooks, tablets, smartphones and data carriers. Covered Individuals may not copy confidential information, not even in part, transfer it to unauthorised third parties or publish it.
— Data projection: Maintaining the necessary security, protection of privacy, data protection and the legally applicable regulations is essential. Data protection law protects the personal data and personal rights of our visitors, employees and cooperation partners. Any processing of personal data requires that there is a legal basis for the processing.
— Intellectual property: Intellectual property may be protected by copyright, trademark or patent rights or as a trade secret. This protection shall be respected in all areas of work. Covered Individuals must ensure that intellectual property and protected works are used or distributed only with the consent of the author or licence holder. Care must be taken to ensure that both the intellectual property of LAS and that of the artists cooperating with us is not misused or stolen. Any anomalies must be reported immediately to the management.
— Trademarks for assets: The use of the LAS name and logo must be agreed with and approved by the LAS management in each individual case.
— Financial management: Covered Individuals shall always ensure that LAS funds are used appropriately and in order to fulfil its statutes. An expenditure is appropriate if it serves its statutory purposes and comparable remuneration is usually paid for a comparable activity or service by non-profit organisations. The annual financial statements are prepared by third party tax advisors or auditors.
LAS requires all of its cooperation partners to comply with all applicable legal provisions. However, LAS's requirements in this Code of Conduct may go beyond the applicable legal requirements of each country.