· Doum Social Cooperative · About · 2min read
Why a Social Cooperative? — The Path Doum Chose
The story of why Doum chose to be a social cooperative rather than a regular company or general cooperative.
“Why a social cooperative, of all things?” This is a question people often ask when they first learn about Doum.
What a Cooperative Means to Artists
For artists who work as freelancers, the biggest challenge is an unstable foundation for their work. Alone, they must handle everything from planning and promotion to financial management, but a cooperative allows them to share this burden together.
At Doum, members can leverage the organization’s resources and network to perform on broader stages, and they can also gain stable opportunities by participating as instructors in education programs.
Why the Word “Social”
In a general cooperative, the interests of its members come first. In contrast, a social cooperative must dedicate at least 40% of its total activities to public interest work. Doum embraces this standard not as a choice but as a calling.
We believe the best way for art to contribute to society is to design artistic activities themselves as public goods.
One Person, One Vote Democracy
Regardless of the amount of capital contributed, every member has an equal vote. Lead performers, new instructors, and volunteer members alike all participate in deciding the cooperative’s direction. This democratic decision-making structure is the foundation that sustains Doum’s healthy culture.
A Sustainable Choice
Being a social cooperative is not an easy path. But Doum is confident that this path is the most sustainable choice for both art and society. Creating together, sharing together, and growing together — that is the path Doum walks.
