“The link between arts, culture, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) is one of robust collaboration where arts and culture are used as powerful tools for social change, community empowerment, advocacy, and education”
According to Law No. 2020/011 of 20th July 2020 regulating Artistic and Cultural Associations in Cameroon, Artistic and cultural associations shall be formed by declared associations or foreign associations.
According to Law No. 99/014 of December 22, 1999 governing Non-Governmental Organizations in Cameroon, an NGO is a registered association or a foreign association authorized in accordance with the legislation in force, and approved by the administration in order to participate in the execution of missions of general interest.
Artistic and cultural associations may be organized into the following:
- Companies:
- Unions;
- Guilds;
- Federations.
Non-Governmental Organizations are first registered as Associations before attaining the status of an NGO upon successful three years of consistent activity.
Foundation for the Operation of both Artistic Associations and Non-Governmental Organizations in Cameroon
Both organs function or operate under the principle of freedom of expression which is grounded in the law relating to freedom of Association in Cameroon.
Both organs operate by virtue of their constitution or Bylaws as subscribed to by members in Cameroon.
Difference between a Cultural Association and a Non-Governmental Organization in Cameroon
- Primary Goal
- Cultural Association: Promote a specific culture, hobby, or members' interests.
- Non-Governmental Organization: Address broader social, economic, or political issues.
- Focus
- Cultural Association: Members' collective interests and cultural activities.
- Non-Governmental Organization: Societal impact and public good.
- Scale
- Cultural Association: Typically, local or regional.
- Non-Governmental Organization: Often national or international.
- Activities
- Cultural Association: Cultural events, networking, community building.
- Non-Governmental Organization: Advocacy, campaigning, service provision, policy influence.
Similarities between a Cultural Association and a Non-Governmental Organization in Cameroon
1. Both organizations can sue and be sued;
2. Both organizations manage and dispose of sums derived from membership fees;
3. Both organizations acquire for valuable consideration and own the premises intended for its administration and members' meetings, as well as the buildings strictly necessary for the achievement of its objectives;
4. Both organizations receive donations and bequests of any kind, as well as financial contributions from national or international organizations, within the framework of its activities, subject to the authorization of the Minister in charge of Territorial Administration for real estate donations and bequests;
5. Both organizations receive subsidies from legal entities under public law; in this case, the Commission must ensure that these subsidies are used properly;
6. Both organizations obtain remuneration for its services;
7. Both organizations recruit and remunerate personnel strictly necessary for the accomplishment of its missions.