## **COUNTERPOINTS ARTS** 

## **TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022** 

**COMPANY NUMBER 08062988 CHARITY NUMBER 1150079** 



**COUNTERPOINTS ARTS TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 March 2022** 

|**Contents**|**Page**|
|---|---|
|Trustees’ report (including reference and administrative details)|1 – 10|
|Independent Examiner's Report|11|
|Statement of financial activities|12|
|Balance sheet|13|
|Statement of cash flows|14|
|Notes to the financial statements|15 – 24|



0 



**COUNTERPOINTS ARTS TRUSTEES’ REPORT For the year ended 31 March 2022** 

The Trustees of **Counterpoints Arts** are pleased to present their annual report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2022. 

The financial statements are prepared to meet the requirements for a directors’ report and accounts for Companies Act purposes and comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006, the Memorandum and Articles, and the Statement of Recommended Practice – Accounting and Reporting by Charities (FRS 102). 

**Counterpoints Arts** was established in 2012 to bring together and integrate the complimentary work of Partnership for Arts and Refugees (PAR) and Forum on Migration and Communications (FOMACS). Both initiatives (PAR and FOMACS) have recognized track records of developing creative arts and collaborative projects with diverse partners from the arts and advocacy sectors. 

In establishing this new organization we have accomplished the following: 

Created a working environment which integrates a combination of in house skills including: digital and graphic design, arts curation and architecture, film production and programming, creative writing and research development and education, strategic policy and publishing. 

## **Mission** 

Our mission is to support, produce and promote the arts by and about migrants and refugees, seeking to ensure that their cultural and artistic contributions are recognised and welcomed within British arts, history and culture. 

We do this by developing and commissioning creative projects and approaches to represent the stories and experiences of refugees and migrants through talent development, collaborations with artists, arts/cultural and educational organisations and civil society activists working in the field of migrant and refugee rights. 

## **Vision** 

Our vision is underpinned by a belief in the dynamic power of the creative arts to inspire social change and enhance inclusion and cultural integration of refugees and migrants. 

**Counterpoints Arts’** Board of Trustees for the period between the 1 April 2021 and 31 March 2022 included: Chair, Tim Finch (Director, Sponsor Refugees); Donna Covey (Director, Against Violence and Abuse); Tim Catherall (Director of Finance and Operations, Institute of Development Studies), Alice Sachrajda (Freelance Researcher); Reem Charif (Co-Director, Febrik); Naima Khan (Coordinator, Act for Change Fund – Paul Hamlyn Foundation), Malu Ansaldo, (Producer, The Round House). 

## **Objectives and Activities** 

Counterpoints Arts objects, as per its Memorandum and Articles, are specifically restricted to the following: To further such charitable purposes for the benefit of the public in particular but not limited to: 

- a) the promotion of equality and diversity and 

- b) the promotion of human rights (as set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and subsequent United Nations Conventions and Declarations) by the following means: 

   - i. Researching into human rights issues 

   - ii. Educating the public about human rights 

   - iii. Raising awareness of human rights issues 

   - iv. Promoting public support for human rights 

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**COUNTERPOINTS ARTS TRUSTEES’ REPORT For the year ended 31 March 2022** 

- v. Promoting respect for human rights by individuals and corporations for the benefit of migrants and refugees and the wider public and through the following activities: promoting the arts, heritage and culture, through education and research (publishing the useful results of which) and by undertaking and promoting social justice advocacy. 

The Trustees have had due regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit when reviewing the charity’s objectives and planning current and future activities. 

## **Achievements and Performance during 2021-2022** 

Due to intermittent Covid-19 restrictions and health and safety considerations, the Counterpoints Arts team continued to work remotely throughout most of 2021, returning to a hybrid work pattern in 2022. In this context, the transition to hybrid working and in situ events took place at the latter half of 2021. 

Counterpoints Arts also continued its implementation of a Risk and Mitigation strategy,  devised at the onset of the pandemic (2020). With this oversight and continuous testing, projects have been adapted to online formats, allowing for the delivery of the programme through digital platforms; or incrementally produced in physical settings with live audiences and participant groups. The main challenge and aim throughout 2021/2022 was to sustain and develop (despite the ongoing pandemic and its health and social effects), organisational partnerships and collaborations with artists and networks. 

Throughout 2021-2022, Counterpoints Arts has, therefore, been strategically re-connecting with large institutions – many of whom are our partners in the museum, gallery and live art and performance sector – who had either laid off staff and/or placed teams on furlough throughout the pandemic. Counterpoints Arts has endeavored to maintain its ties and collaborations with larger, flagship organisations - despite the changed environment. 

As stated in CA’s 2020/2021 Trustee Report, many of the individual artists with whom Counterpoints Arts support and collaborate, have a long history and experience of displacement. And as in other parts of the arts sector, a good percentage of these artists are free-lancers without secure salaries. Counterpoints Arts’ online survey conducted in July 2020 ( _Artists in Lockdown_ ) established a baseline of explicit needs to which CA has continued to respond throughout the financial year of 2021/2022. 

CA developed its learning and training programme throughout 2021/2022, specifically a 3-part programme focusing on Equality and Diversity for the team and Board; in addition to niche training options in other areas for members of the team and invited artists and practitioners. 

Counterpoints Arts continues to place cross-sector collaboration at the heart of its approach in the strengthening and broadening of alliances with the arts and (popular) culture, migration and racial justice and climate change sectors. This intersectional methodology has enabled the organisation to work between sectors and areas of work, notably in 2021-2022 to connect areas related to migration with climate change and racial justice. 

The activities outlined in this Trustees’ Report reflect the selected outputs and key highlights of our overall goals for the period spanning April 2021 to March 2022. 

2 



**COUNTERPOINTS ARTS TRUSTEES’ REPORT For the year ended 31 March 2022** 

For a fuller and more detailed list of all Counterpoints Arts’ activities, outputs and events, please go to the Counterpoints Arts’ website 2021/2022 Archive: https://counterpointsarts.org.uk/events/?cy=2021 https://counterpointsarts.org.uk/events/?cy=2022 

**The following highlights focus on the strategic re-direction of Counterpoints Arts activities and events to the digital/online sphere in addition to a return to place-based events and in-situ engagement with audiences during 2021-2022.** 

## **Key achievements/highlights and outputs include:** 

**Refugee Week 2021** resulted in strong partnerships. The RW network produced an impressive range of events, both online and in person. Providing a platform for emerging and established migrant and refugee artists and for public engagement across the UK. 

**Public-facing productions included** : Misan Harriman's portrait series: ‘We Cannot Walk Alone’ (Refugee week’s 2021 theme) displayed on screens at V&A and shared on social media. Sitters included author Michael Rosen, chef Yasmin Khan, model Ikram Abdi Omar and Counterpoints Arts’ commissioned artists Hossam Fazulla and Ayanna Witter-Johnson. 

**Counterpoints Arts and Schools of Sanctuary** hosted an online author event for children with Michael Rosen and Sita Brahmachari (Swallow’s Kiss) - supported by Book Trust. 

**The Great Walk Together** : Refugee Week teamed up with the Jo Cox Foundation to create The Great Walk Together for The Great Get Together and Refugee Week: an invitation to walk with people from different backgrounds in their respective communities, reflecting together on refugees’ journeys. Good Chance Theatre provided an activity for the walk, linking to Walk with Amal. 

**Refugee Week 2021 Ambassadors** : With our partners IMIX, we supported nine people with lived experience of displacement to share their stories and perspectives through the media and social media. IMIX provided online training to the group. 

**Following the success of the Refugee Week Slow Conference** (which took place from January to March 2021), a series of meet ups for teachers (over 100 attendees) and faith groups (over 30 attendees) took place in 2021/2022 – both strategic groups for reaching wider audiences. An increase in events planned by faith groups (eg., churches) was noticeable. 

## **Refugee Week events from the network** 

Events overall were organised by NGOs, grassroots groups, arts organisations, faith groups, councils and universities, including film screenings, talks, cookery workshops, author events, plays and walking tours. 

**Please find here a fuller snapshot of Refugee Week 2021:** https://refugeeweek.org.uk/togetherwalkedsnapshot-refugee-week-2021/ 

**Public Commissions Across Borders:** We continued to develop relationships and co-commissioned content with regional areas and partners throughout 2021/2022 - primarily through the Platforma programme and the Across Borders initiative in Kent and Yorkshire, Athens and Berlin. 

3 



**COUNTERPOINTS ARTS TRUSTEES’ REPORT For the year ended 31 March 2022** 

Our first commissioning programme in June - October 2021 included: Kent Fish & Chips Project by Olivier Kugler and Andrew Humphreys, involving large format illustration reportage and a public engagement programme commissioned in partnership with Turner Contemporary in Margate and Canterbury Cathedral - see here: https://counterpointsarts.org.uk/event/the-kent-fish-chips-project/ 

The poet Kayo Chingonyi was commissioned to curate, perform and host a spoken word and Hip Hop programme as part of Platforma 6 across Yorkshire. These commissions and regional collaborations were allied with the overall cross-border programme - linking local locations across borders and regional spaces - exchanging skills and resources, see here: https://counterpointsarts.org.uk/across-borders-new-commissions-in-greece-germany-and-theuk/ 

**Commissioning in Berlin and Athens** was specifically aligned with the UK programme, enabling cross-border learning and connections between artists, organisations and communities of place. See here for the Adrian Paci Public Art Commission, ‘We Apologise’ with Victoria Square project in Athens, see here: https://counterpointsarts.org.uk/reflecting-on-we-apologize-by-adrian-paci/ 

A range of smaller commissions and network development took place on in each regional location, see here: https://counterpointsarts.org.uk/event/the-body-as-datauninvited/ 

**PopChange Programme:** The PopChange retreat in March 2021 formed the foundation and basis for a dedicated programme running throughout 2021/2022. The retreat was held online in partnership with the Welcome Trust - inviting contributors from the fields of broadcast media, arts, sport, comedy, journalism, the digital and gaming sphere, health and creative industries, see here: https://popchange.co.uk/2021/03/05/pop-culturemeets-social-change-retreat-2021/ 

Following this retreat, a series of salons and commissions materialised throughout 2021/2022 focusing on comedy, TV, gaming and Narrative Change , see here: https://popchange.co.uk/events/popchange-salon-series-racial-justice-pop-culture-and-socialstruggle-2/ And here: https://popchange.co.uk/commissions/popchange-salon-series/ And here: https://popchange.co.uk/events/no-direction-home-x-limbo-co-hosted-with-mubi/ 

**New commissions with emerging practitioners:** A series of new commissions with emerging practitioners focusing on the post-pandemic period were developed throughout 2021/2022, enabling a range of artists and collectives to connect with mainstream institutions, platforms and communities of place, see here: https://counterpointsarts.org.uk/highlight/to-love-care-breathe-new-series-of-commissions/ 

In April 2021, Counterpoints Arts commissioned a research report, conducted by poet, Selina Nwulu, exploring the Barriers and Opportunities to Meaningful Collaboration Across the Arts, Migration and Social Justice Sectors, see here: https://counterpointsarts.org.uk/the-barriers-and-opportunities-to-meaningful-collaboration/ 

## **Learning Initiatives - International platforms and Collaborations** 

Highlights in 2021/2022 include the following: 

**Beyond the Now** – a syndicated blog with a season focusing on Mutual Aid and the urgency of sharing resources and exchanging new ways of working across individual practices, organisations, via the extension of committed networks and political and creative alliances – with partners based in the UK, Ireland, Germany, Lebanon/Belgium and Amsterdam. 

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**COUNTERPOINTS ARTS TRUSTEES’ REPORT For the year ended 31 March 2022** 

**2 international projects** have emerged from this initiative: An EU funded project with the European Cultural Fund  (with migrant artists, investigative journalists and activists), titled ‘Re-Framing Migrants in the Media’; together with a British Council funded International Collaboration Project with Ettijahat – Independent Culture focusing on artists in Mashriq region, UK and Europe and with Residencies at Plymouth College of Art. 

See here: https://beyond-the-now.com/ 

**Fieldnotes 111 – Publication** from The School on Cultural Diversity and Collaborative Practice with CREATE – National Platform for Collaborative Practice. Comprising contributions from facilitators at the 2020 School (including Abdullah Al Kafri (Ettijahat – Independent Culture); Digital Anthropologist, Kit Braybrooke; International Curator, Dominik Chechowski; and artist/filmmaker, Juan delGado, socially-engaged artist, Isabel Lima, among others). 

https://counterpointsarts.org.uk/autumn-school-publication-2020-field-notes-111/ 

**Autumn School on Cultural Diversity and Collaborative Practice 2021:** See here: https://counterpointsarts.org.uk/event/autumn-school-create-and-counterpoints-arts/ 

**Mutual Affinities Learning Lab Programme** funded by Creative Scotland – was researched and developed throughout 2021 with arts organisations in Scotland and working with artists who have been displaced and living in Scotland. 

https://counterpointsarts.org.uk/mutual-affinities-learning-lab-with-creative-scotland-and-counterpointsarts/ 

**Neighbourhood/Place-based Community Commissions:** Throughout 2021, the Clapham Park Creative Coop ran a mix of online and in-place activities; of particular note is Postcards Across the River Embroidery Projects, see here: https://claphamparkcreative.org/2021/04/09/were-starting-a-clapham-park-embroidery-club-incollaboration-with-east-london-textile-arts/ 

Throughout 2021 and 2022, Counterpoints Arts has strategically responded and anticipated to the social and economic and cultural impact of the pandemic. The organisation as a whole has strategically connected and integrated many of its programme strands (as noted above). This has significantly expanded our audience reach, and we continue to learn from this necessary operational response. 

Going forward, we plan to continue to implement this programmatic synergy through the blending of strands and the engagement of both online and offline platforms. 

## **Key management Personnel** 

The key management personnel of the organisation are the trustees and Chief Executives. Trustees are not individually remunerated and are tasked with setting the pay of the Chief Executive. 

## **Financial review** 

The income for the period amounted to £693,003 (2021: £618,801) and the total expenditure amounted to £534,226 (2021: £513,359). This resulted in net income of £158,777 (2021: net income of £105,442). At the year-end there were unrestricted funds of £376,381 (2021: £162,142) and restricted funds of £238,585 (2021: £294,047) carried forward. 

5 



**COUNTERPOINTS ARTS TRUSTEES’ REPORT For the year ended 31 March 2022** 

## **Plans for the future** 

Our future plans include developing our work in the following key areas: 

Developing our intersectional work: 

- Commissioning and supporting new work in the intersection of displacement, racial and climate justice; 

- Supporting work by Black artists by co-commissioning and co-producing and also providing mentoring and networking opportunities; 

- Programming new work for the upcoming Climate Emergency Programme at the Southbank Centre in Summer 2023. 

## National Focus and Networks: 

- Continue to build our reputation as the lead national agency for developing and supporting the arts by and about refugees and migrants; 

- Continue growing Refugee Week as the largest UK festival and network celebrating the creativity, resilience and contributions of refugees; 

- Continue delivering our Platforma biennial Festival in different parts of England, showcasing new work, sharing learning and developing networks. 

## Local Focus: 

- Intensify our work on a range of locations with low levels of cultural investment and high levels of migration, prioritising parts of Kent and Yorkshire and Southwest - subject to the confirmation of funding from ACE. 

## International Work: 

- Supporting the growth of Refugee Week as an international festival, while building our inter/national portfolio, networks and reputation; 

- As part of Across Borders, the programme continues to produce exciting and impactful public art commissions in Greece, Germany and the UK, creating longer term possibilities for international collaboration and exchange. 

## PopChange programme: 

We are talking to our various mainstream partners about the possibilities of developing more impactful and longer-term work within the context of our PopChange comedy and music programme. 

## Organisational Aspirations: 

- Continue to diversify our funding to build a stronger base for our next 4-year business plan aspirations; 

- Continue to diversify our board, team and advisors in order to ensure that our work remains relevant and informed by a range of different perspectives and lived experiences; 

- Explore possibilities of establishing ourselves as an organisation with a base and structure in Europe (e.g. Greece, Ireland or Germany); 

- Continue building knowledge and expertise in core areas via our annual training programme, such as Safeguarding, Diversity, Mental Health Awareness, Neurodiversity and Disability awareness, and areas relevant to our work and activities. 

6 



**COUNTERPOINTS ARTS TRUSTEES’ REPORT For the year ended 31 March 2022** 

## **Reference and Administrative Details** 

|**Company number**|08062988|
|---|---|
|**Charity number**|1150079|
|**Principal and**||
|**Registered office**|Unit 2.3, 128 Hoxton Street, London N16SH; T:02070121761|
|**Bankers**|The Co-operative Bank|
||1 Balloon Street|
||Manchester|
||M60 4EP|
|**Independent**|MHA Macintyre Hudson|
|**Examiners**|Business Park|
||910 The Crescent|
||Highwoods|
||Colchester|
||CO4 9YQ|
|**Accountants**|JS2 Limited|
||One Crown Square|
||Woking|
||Surrey|
||GU21 6HR|



## **Directors and trustees** 

The directors of the charitable company (the charity) are its trustees for the purposes of charity law. The trustees, officers and staff serving during the year and since the year end were as follows **:** 

|Tim Finch|(Chair resigned 2ndMay 2022)|
|---|---|
|Tim Catherall|(Treasurer)|
|Donna Covey|(Resigned 2ndMay 2022)|
|Alice Sachrajda||
|Reem Charif||
|Naima Khan||
|Malu Ansaldo||
|Almir Koldzic|(Secretary)|



## **Structure, Governance and Management** 

**Counterpoints Arts** is a company limited by guarantee governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association dated 9 May 2012 as amended by special resolution on 28 November 2012 and is a registered charity. 

7 



**COUNTERPOINTS ARTS TRUSTEES’ REPORT For the year ended 31 March 2022** 

## **Trustee recruitment, training and oversight** 

There can be no less than 3 trustees. New trustees are appointed by the board. 

The trustees meet regularly to oversee the charity’s affairs and advise on  strategic decisions about the overall direction of the work of the organisation, to monitor finances and contribute towards various aspects of the work of the organisation. There are 9 employees – one full time and eight part time. 

New trustees have an orientation programme which includes being given papers and briefings on their legal obligations under charity and company law, on the charity’s decision making process and financial performance. Where appropriate, Trustees will be encouraged to attend appropriate external training. 

## **Related parties** 

None of our Trustees receive remuneration or other benefit from their work with the charity. Any connection between a trustee or employee of the charity and any individual or organisation which is paid to work with or for the charity must be disclosed to the full board of trustees in the same way as any other contractual relationship with a related third party. In the year under review no such related party transactions were reported. 

## **Risk management** 

The Trustees review the risks annually, which the charity may face and have been monitoring carefully the most significant risk identified i.e. that of building a firm financial base on which to build the operations of the charity. As agreed by the Board and as the charity grows, a formal bi-annual review process will be implemented to identify other risks and implement procedures to mitigate those risks identified. Some of the additional risks that have emerged are due to Covid-19. As stated previously, Counterpoints Arts produced a comprehensive Risk and Mitigation Strategy (20192020) at the onset of the pandemic, much of which will remain relevant for the next operational year and going forward. The general uncertainty facing the sector together with the changing circumstances related to work practices, infrastructures, public engagement and health and wellbeing of the CA team and associated producers has been assessed with a clear mitigation plan in place for implementation. 

The principle risks, uncertainties and mitigation strategy for Counterpoints Arts Charity are as follows: 

- Longer term Covid related economic pressures and their impact on our fundraising opportunities and prospects. **Mitigation plan** : continue to keep the lines of communication open with our existing funders and seek external advice on the future funding opportunities and developments; 

- Risks associated with Brexit and how this affects us especially in terms of our overseas/international work - in Greece, Germany and Ireland. **Mitigation plan** : continue to check we meet requirements of working overseas at all stages of project work and continue to support our artists and partners overseas by anticipating potential delays to our work caused by Brexit related regulations; 

- Risks associated with delayed or cancelled activities due to Covid, resulting in the build up of underspend and potential impact on our longer-term fundraising efforts and relationships. **Mitigation plan** : continue to monitor our financial position and Reserves level; 

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**COUNTERPOINTS ARTS TRUSTEES’ REPORT For the year ended 31 March 2022** 

- Heightened risk of online hate from far-right group and increased hostility toward refugees. **Mitigation plan** : organise further training on countering hate online to equip ourselves as much as possible to be able to respond to any hostility; 

- People exiting the arts and how this may affect the ecology of our organisation. **Mitigation plan** : work to strengthen our existing network and continue to share resources and learning; 

- Impact of stress caused by the pandemic on the long-term health and wellbeing of the staff, our artists and wider network. **Mitigation plan** : continue to check-in with people, promote good levels of self-care (mental health and wellbeing) and offer our EAP those who require additional support as needed. 

## **Reserves policy** 

The Trustees have reviewed the charity’s need for reserves in line with the guidance issued by the Charity Commission, and are committed to building reserves to increase financial security. We have produced and agreed a detailed Reserves Policy going forward, so as to ensure that Counterpoints Arts ongoing and future activities are protected to a reasonable degree from unexpected short-term variance in income and expenditure. Total reserves at 31 March 22 were £614,966 (2021: £456,189). 

## **Risks to consider** 

Counterpoints Arts is a small charity with a simple organisational structure and this policy has been written by taking into consideration the following types of potential operational and financial risks: 

- Risk of unforeseen emergency or other unexpected need for funds, e.g. an unexpected large repair bill or finding ‘seed-funding’ for an urgent project; 

- Covering unforeseen day-to-day operational costs, e.g. employing temporary staff to cover a longterm sickness/absence; 

- A source of income, e.g. a grant, not being renewed. Funds might be needed to give the Trustees time to take action if income falls below expectations; 

- Unforeseen closure and insolvency and associated costs; 

- Short and long-term risks associated with the outbreak of a global pandemic. 

## **Reserve levels at year end** 

The Board of Trustees for Counterpoints Arts agree that the minimum reserve level is set at £140,000 this being the amount required to ensure the work of the organisation can continue without disruption in adverse circumstances. 

The minimum reserve level has been reached by calculating 6 months of CA’s core operating costs, including: 

- 6 months operating costs 

- Restructuring provision resulting from project loss 

- Statutory amounts related to staff redundancies 

- 5% contingency amount (for example, legal costs) 

9 



**COUNTERPOINTS ARTS TRUSTEES’ REPORT For the year ended 31 March 2022** 

## **Decision-making and lead roles by Governance and Staff** 

Counterpoints Arts will monitor the reserves level on a monthly basis to check that it remains within 10% of the level set within this policy. If the reserves level varies significantly below or above 10%, then the Board of Trustees will be consulted. Any other significant changes to the budget or financial position of the organisation should be reported to the Board of Trustees. 

## **Risk Assessment** 

This policy will be referred to when carrying out financial risk assessments for CA. 

## **Review of policy** 

The Counterpoints Arts’ Treasurer in conjunction with any overall organisational changes will review the reserves level set out in this policy annually. 

## **Small Company Exemptions** 

This report is prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies’ regime within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006. As a small company it is eligible for exemption from audit. 

Signed on behalf of the Board of Directors and Trustees 


Tim Catherall Trustee and Treasurer Date: 14[th] December 2022 

10 



**COUNTERPOINTS ARTS INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT For the year ended 31 March 2022** 

## **Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Counterpoints Arts** 

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the company for the year ended 31 March 2022 which are set out on pages 12 to 24. 

## **Responsibilities and basis of report** 

As the charity trustees of the company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act’). 

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your company’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act. 

## **Independent examiner's statement** 

Since the company’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I a member of The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, which is one of the listed bodies. 

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: 

1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or 

2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or 

3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view’ which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or 

4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102). 

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. 

Signed: Dated: 19/12/2022 

Cara Miller   ACCA 

## **MHA MACINTYRE HUDSON** 

Chartered Accountants Business Park 910 The Crescent Highwoods Colchester CO4 9YQ 

11 



## **COUNTERPOINTS ARTS** (COMPANY NUMBER 08062988) **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (Including Income and Expenditure Account) For the year ended 31 March 2022** 

|**Unrestricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>Note<br>**2022**<br>**2022**<br>**Income:**<br>£<br>£<br>Donations<br>2<br>253,295<br>405,750<br>Charitable activities<br>2<br>33,958<br>-<br>**Total income**<br>**287,253**<br>**405,750**<br>**Expenditure:**<br>Charitable activities<br>3<br>73,014<br>461,212<br>**Total expenditure**<br>**73,014**<br>**461,212**<br>**Net income / (expenditure) for the**<br>**year and net movement in funds**<br>**214,239**<br>**(55,462)**<br>Total funds brought forward<br>162,142<br>294,047<br>**Total funds carried forward**<br>**376,381**<br>**238,585**|**Total**<br>**2022**<br>£<br>**659,045**<br>**33,958**<br>**693,003**<br>**534,226**<br>**534,226**<br>**158,777**<br>456,189<br>**614,966**|**Total**<br>**2021**<br>£<br>589,001<br>29,800|
|---|---|---|
|||618,801|
|||513,359|
|||513,359|
|||105,442|
|||350,747|
|||456,189|



All of the above results derive from continuing activities. 

There are no recognised gains and losses for the year. 

The notes on the following pages form part of these financial statements 

12 



## **COUNTERPOINTS ARTS** (COMPANY NUMBER 08062988) **BALANCE SHEET As at 31 March 2022** 

|Note<br>**Current assets**<br>Debtors<br>8<br>Cash at bank and in hand<br>**Creditors:**Amounts falling due within one year<br>9<br>**Net assets**<br>**Charity funds**<br>**Unrestricted funds**<br>11<br>_General funds_<br>_Designated funds_<br>**Restricted funds**<br>**Total Charity funds**<br>11|**2022**<br>£<br>6,318<br>635,992<br>(27,344)<br>**614,966**<br>**376,381**<br>_376,381_<br>_-_<br>**238,585**<br>**614,966**|**2021**<br>£<br>3,866<br>574,679<br>(122,356)|
|---|---|---|
|||456,189|
|||162,142<br>_159,799_<br>_2,343_<br>294,047|
|||456,189|



For the year ending 31 March 2022 the company was entitled to exemption from the requirement to have an audit under the provisions of section 477 of the Companies Act 2006. 

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006. 

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies’ regime. 

The Directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts. 

The financial statements were approved by the Directors and authorised for issue on 14[th] December 2022 and signed on their behalf, by: 


Tim Catherall Trustee and Treasurer 

The notes on the following pages form part of these financial statements 

13 



## **COUNTERPOINTS ARTS** (COMPANY NUMBER 08062988) **STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS As at 31 March 2022** 

||**2022**|**2022**|**2021**|**2021**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|
|**Cash flow from operating activities**|||||
|Net income / (expenditure)|158,777||105,442||
|Adjustments for:|||||
|(Increase) / decrease in debtors|(2,452)||(3,866)||
|Increase / (decrease) in creditors|(95,012)||116,159||
||**_________**||**_________**||
|**Net cash (used in) / provided by**<br>**operating activities**||61,313||217,735|
|||**_________**||**_________**|
|**Change in cash and cash equivalents in**<br>**the year**||61,313||217,735|
|||**_________**||**_________**|
|**Cash and cash equivalents at the**<br>**beginning of the year**||574,679||356,944|
|||**_________**||**_________**|
|**Cash and cash equivalents at the end of**<br>**the year**||635,992||574,679|
|||**_________**||**_________**|



The notes on the following pages form part of these financial statements 

14 



**COUNTERPOINTS ARTS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 March 2022** 

## 1. **SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES** 

## 1.1 **General information and statement of compliance** 

The Charity is a company limited by guarantee (registered number 08062988), which is incorporated and domiciled in England and Wales. The address of the registered office is Unit 2.3, 128 Hoxton Street, London N16SH. 

The Charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006 and UK Generally Accepted Practice as it applies from 1 January 2015. 

## 1.2 **Going concern** 

The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention, modified to include certain items at fair value. This has been adopted as the Trustees consider the level of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for 12 months from authorisation of these financial statements. The financial statements are presented in sterling which is the functional currency of the Charity and rounded to the nearest pound. The Trustees have considered the impact of COVID-19 during this year in their assessment of the going concern. 

## 1.3 **Financial instruments** 

The Charity only holds basic Financial Instruments.  The financial assets and financial liabilities of the Charity are as follows: 

Debtors – accrued income is a basic financial instruments and debt instruments measured at amortised cost are as detailed in Note 8. Prepayments are not financial instruments. 

Cash at bank – is classified as a basic financial instrument and is measured at face value. 

Liabilities – accruals and other creditors will be classified as financial instruments, and are measured at amortised cost as detailed in Note 9. Deferred income is not deemed to be a financial liability, as in the cash settlement has already taken place and there is simply an obligation to deliver charitable services rather than cash or another financial instrument. 

## 1.4 **Funds** 

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Charity and have not been designated for other purposes. Restricted funds are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the Charity for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. 

15 



**COUNTERPOINTS ARTS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Cont.) For the year ended 31 March 2022** 

## 1.5 **Income recognition** 

All income is included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when the Charity is legally entitled to the income after any performance conditions have been met, the amount can be measured reliably and it is probable that the income will be received. 

For donations to be recognised the Charity will have been notified of the amounts and the settlement date in writing. If there are conditions attached to the donation and this requires a level of performance before entitlement can be obtained then income is deferred until those conditions are fully met or the fulfilment of these is within the control of the Charity and it is probable that they will be fulfilled. 

No amount is included in the financial statements for volunteer time in line with the SORP (FRS 102). 

The Charity receives government grants in respect of furthering its charitable objectives. Income from government and other grants are recognised at fair value when the Charity has entitlement after any performance conditions have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably. If entitlement is not met then these amounts are deferred. 

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the Charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the Bank. 

## 1.6 **Expenditure recognition** 

Expenditure is included in the Statement of Financial Activities on an accruals basis, inclusive of any VAT which cannot be recovered. 

Expenditure has been included in the following cost categories: Charitable activity cost is the expenditure for meeting the Charity’s objectives. Such costs include the direct costs of the charitable activities together with an allocation of the support costs that enable these activities to be undertaken. 

## 1.7 **Employee Benefits** 

The Charity operates a defined contribution plan for the benefit of its employees. Contributions are expensed as they become payable. 

- 1.8 **Debtors and creditors receivable / payable within one year** 

Debtors are recognised when the Charity is legally entitled to the income after any performance conditions have been met, the amount can be measured reliably and it is probable that the income will be received. 

Creditors are recognised when the Charity has a present legal or constructive obligation resulting from a past event and the settlement is expected to result in an outflow of economic benefits. 

## 1.9 **Leases** 

Rentals applicable to operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities over the period in which the cost is incurred. 

16 



**COUNTERPOINTS ARTS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Cont.) For the year ended 31 March 2022** 

## **2. INCOME** 

|**Grants and donations**<br>Open Society Foundations<br>Arts Council England<br>Esmee Fairbairn<br>AB Charitable Trust<br>Metropolitan Housing Trust<br>International Comic Relief<br>Unbound Philanthropy<br>Paul Hamlyn Foundation<br>Creative Scotland<br>British Red Cross<br>International Organisation for Migration<br>Migrant Helpline<br>National Education Union<br>British Refugee Council<br>United Nations<br>Oxfam<br>Freedom From Torture<br>Amnesty International UK<br>Citizens UK<br>Refugee Action<br>British Future<br>City of Sanctuary<br>Plymouth College<br>Tate Gallery<br>Open University<br>London School of Economics<br>International Refugee Committee<br>Action for Hope<br>**Total grants and donations**<br>Events and consultancy<br>**Total charitable activities**|**Unrestricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2022**<br>£<br>106,891<br>81,472<br>38,000<br>15,000<br>11,932<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>253,295<br>33,958<br>33,958|**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2022**<br>£<br>-<br>-<br>60,000<br>-<br>-<br>132,500<br>90,000<br>40,000<br>17,250<br>10,000<br>10,000<br>10,000<br>10,000<br>6,000<br>5,000<br>4,000<br>3,000<br>2,500<br>2,500<br>1,500<br>1,000<br>500<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>405,750<br>--<br>-|**Total**<br>**2022**<br>£<br>**106,891**<br>**81,472**<br>**98,000**<br>**15,000**<br>**11,932**<br>**132,500**<br>**90,000**<br>**40,000**<br>**17,250**<br>**10,000**<br>**10,000**<br>**10,000**<br>**10,000**<br>**6,000**<br>**5,000**<br>**4,000**<br>**3,000**<br>**2,500**<br>**2,500**<br>**1,500**<br>**1,000**<br>**500**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**659,045**<br>**33,958**<br>**33,958**|**Total**<br>**2021**<br>£<br>-<br>81,472<br>90,000<br>-<br>10,770<br>162,500<br>90,000<br>59,500<br>-<br>10,000<br>5,000<br>20,000<br>10,000<br>6,000<br>5,000<br>3,500<br>3,000<br>3,000<br>2,500<br>1,500<br>1,000<br>1,000<br>7,000<br>7,000<br>4,000<br>2,750<br>1,500<br>1,009|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||589,001|
|||||29,800|
|||||29,800|



17 



**COUNTERPOINTS ARTS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Cont.) For the year ended 31 March 2022** 

## **2. INCOME FROM (continued)** 

In 2022, £659,045 (2021: £589,001) was received from grants and donations, £253,295 (2021: £138,251) of which to unrestricted funds and the remaining £405,750 (2021: £450,750) to restricted funds. 

£81,472 (2021: £81,472) of government grants were received from Arts Council England to fund Counterpoints Arts charitable activities. There were no other contingencies or unfulfilled conditions relating to this fund. 

In 2022 and 2021, all income from charitable activities was to unrestricted funds. 

## **3. ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE ON CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES** 

|**Analysis of direct costs**<br>Staff costs<br>Event costs<br>Printing and publications<br>Other direct costs<br>**Total direct costs**<br>**Analysis of support costs**<br>Support staff<br>Property costs<br>Office costs<br>Professional fees<br>Governance costs – Independent Examiner’s fee<br>**Total support costs**<br>**Total costs**|**2022**<br>£<br>260,605<br>37,662<br>24,785<br>163,602<br>**486,654**<br>9,014<br>10,394<br>11,594<br>13,482<br>3,088<br>**47,572**<br>**534,226**|**2021**<br>£<br>279,213<br>43,845<br>9,105<br>140,886|
|---|---|---|
|||473,049|
|||11,171<br>9,422<br>4,643<br>11,923<br>3,152|
|||40,311|
||||
|||513,359|



In 2022, there was £534,226 of expenditure, of which £73,014 (2021: £109,694) was spent from unrestricted funds and the remaining £461,212 (2021: £403,665) spent from restricted funds. 

18 



**COUNTERPOINTS ARTS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Cont.) For the year ended 31 March 2022** 

## **4. NET INCOME FOR THE YEAR** 

This is stated after charging: 

|Independent examination fees|**2022**<br>£<br>**3,120**<br>**__________**|**2021**<br>£<br>3,152<br>**__________**|
|---|---|---|



## **5. STAFF COSTS AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS** 

## **Number of employees** 

The average monthly number of employees during the year was: 

|Employees<br>**Total staff costs and employee benefits were as follows:**<br>Wages and salaries<br>Social security costs<br>Defined contribution pension costs|**2022**<br>**9**<br>**__________**<br>**2022**<br>**£**<br>239,070<br>18,211<br>12,338<br>**__________**<br>**269,619**<br>**__________**|**2021**<br>9<br>|
|---|---|---|
|||**__________**<br>**2021**<br>**£**<br>257,689<br>20,974<br>11,721<br>**__________**<br>290,384<br>**__________**|



One employee had total annual emoluments greater than £60,000, but less than £70,000 (2021: nil). 

The total employee benefits including pension contributions of the key management personnel were £99,369 (2021: £97,871). Key management personnel is defined as the trustees together with the two co-directors of the Charity (who are not directors for the purposes of Companies Act). 

## **6. DIRECTORS REMUNERATION AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS** 

One Trustee (2021: None) received reimbursement for expenses in the year totalling £147 (2021: £nil). No Trustees were paid for services in the year (2021: None). There were no related party transactions in the current year (2021: None). 

19 



**COUNTERPOINTS ARTS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Cont.) For the year ended 31 March 2022** 

## **7. PENSION AND OTHER POST–RETIREMENT BENEFITS** 

The Charity operates a defined contribution pension plan for its employees. The amount recognised as an expense in the period was £12,338 (2021: £11,720). The defined contribution liability allocated to restricted funds is £9,399 (2021: £9,399) and unrestricted funds £1,414 (2021: £2,321). 

## **8. DEBTORS** 

|Other Debtors<br>**REDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR**<br>Accruals<br>Deferred Income<br>Other Creditors<br>Opening deferred income<br>Released in the year<br>Income deferred in the current year|**2022**<br>£<br>6,318<br>**6,318**<br>**2022**<br>£<br>13,027<br>3,298<br>11,019<br>27,344<br>96,230<br>(96,230)<br>3,298<br>**3,298**|**2021**<br>£<br>3,866|
|---|---|---|
|||3,866|
|||**2021**<br>£<br>25,104<br>96,230<br>1,022|
|||122,356|
|||-<br>-<br>96,230|
|||96,230|



## **9. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR** 

Deferred income comprises receipts received in the year which relate to activities to be completed in future periods. 

## **10. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS** 

|Assets<br>Liabilities<br>**Net current assets**|**Unrestricte**<br>**d funds**<br>**2022**<br>**£**<br>403,725<br>(27,344)<br>**376,381**|**Restricted**<br>**funds**<br>**2022**<br>**£**<br>238,585<br>-<br>**238,585**|**Total**<br>**2022**<br>**£**<br>**642,310**<br>**(27,344)**|
|---|---|---|---|
||||**614,966**|



20 



**COUNTERPOINTS ARTS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Cont.) For the year ended 31 March 2022** 

## **10. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS (continued)** 

|Assets<br>Liabilities<br>**Net current assets**<br>**11.**<br>**FUND RECONCILIATION**<br>**CURRENT YEAR**<br>**Restricted funds**<br>Staff and Core Costs Fund<br>Refugee Week Fund<br>Learning Lab<br>Leadership & Comm<br>Pop Culture<br>Arts and Social Change Retreat<br>International Comic Relief<br>**Total Restricted funds**<br>**Unrestricted funds**<br>Learning Lab<br>**Total Designated Funds**<br>**Total funds**|**Balance at**<br>**31 March**<br>**2021**<br>**£**<br>**66,054**<br>**19,046**<br>**-**<br>**8,588**<br>**76,949**<br>**15,387**<br>**108,023**<br>**369,047**<br>**159,799**<br>**2,343**<br>**2,343**<br>**456,189**|**Unrestricte**<br>**d funds**<br>**2021**<br>**£**<br>284,498<br>(122,356)<br>**162,142**<br>**Income**<br>**£**<br>165,000<br>66,000<br>17,250<br>-<br>-<br>25,000<br>132,500<br>**405,750**<br>**287,253**<br>-<br>**-**<br>**693,003**|**Restricted**<br>**funds**<br>**2021**<br>**£**<br>294,047<br>**-**<br>**294,047**<br>**Expenditure**<br>**£**<br>(193,943)<br>(60,697)<br>(13,513)<br>(3,321)<br>(66,325)<br>(15,987)<br>(107,426)<br>**(461,212)**<br>**(70,671)**<br>(2,343)<br>**(2,343)**<br>**(534,226)**|**Total**<br>**2021**<br>**£**<br>**578,545**<br>**(122,356)**<br>**456,189**<br>**Balance at**<br>**31 March**<br>**2022**<br>**£**<br>**37,111**<br>**24,349**<br>**3,737**<br>**5,267**<br>**10,624**<br>**24,400**<br>**133,097**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||**238,585**<br>**376,681**<br>**-**|
|||||**-**|
|||||**614,966**|



21 



**COUNTERPOINTS ARTS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Cont.) For the year ended 31 March 2022** 

## **11. FUND RECONCILIATION (continued)** 

|**PRIOR YEAR**<br>**Restricted funds**<br>Staff and Core Costs Fund<br>Refugee Week Fund<br>Learning Lab<br>Ace Catalyst<br>Tate<br>Leadership & Comm<br>Production<br>Pop Culture<br>Arts and Social Change Retreat<br>International Comic Relief<br>**Total Restricted funds**<br>**Unrestricted funds**<br>Learning Lab<br>**Total Designated Funds**<br>**Total funds**|**Balance at**<br>**1 April**<br>**2020**<br>**£**<br>**54,000**<br>**8,400**<br>**-**<br>**11,181**<br>**-**<br>**16,591**<br>**-**<br>**149,817**<br>**6,973**<br>**-**<br>**246,962**<br>**93,305**<br>**10,480**<br>**10,480**<br>**350,747**|**Income**<br>**£**<br>160,000<br>73,000<br>2,750<br>-<br>22,500<br>-<br>24,000<br>-<br>25,000<br>143,500<br>**450,750**<br>**159,324**<br>8,727<br>**8,727**<br>**618,801**|**Expenditure**<br>**£**<br>(147,946)<br>(62,354)<br>(2,750)<br>(11,181)<br>(22,500)<br>(8,003)<br>(24,000)<br>(72,868)<br>(16,586)<br>(35,477)<br>**(403,665)**<br>**(92,830)**<br>(16,864)<br>**(16,864)**<br>**(513,359)**|**Balance at**<br>**31 March**<br>**2021**<br>**£**<br>**66,054**<br>**19,046**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**8,588**<br>**-**<br>**76,949**<br>**15,387**<br>**108,023**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||**369,047**<br>**159,799**<br>**2,343**|
|||||**2,343**|
|||||**456,189**|



22 



**COUNTERPOINTS ARTS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Cont.) For the year ended 31 March 2022** 

## **11. FUND RECONCILIATION (continued)** 

|Staff and Core Costs Fund|Restricted funding for ongoing operational costs and for|
|---|---|
||employers liabilities arising on transfer of employment|
||contracts to Counterpoints Arts.|
|Refugee Week Fund|Restricted funding for an annual, UK wide festival of arts,|
||cultural and educational events that promote the contribution|
||of refugees to the UK.|
|Learning Lab|Restricted funding for a dedicated public learning programme|
||focusing on the theme of arts and social change in relation to|
||migration.|
|Ace Catalyst|Restricted funding towards enhancing the fundraising capacity|
||and organisational development, plus match funding towards|
||the development of national reach and programme.|
|Tate|Restricted funding towards a series of place-based and touring|
||art commissions, "testing and exploring" ways of bringing|
||communities together in a range of locations across England.|
|Leadership & Comms|A project to increase the capacity and visibility of grassroots|
||arts and activism networks through training and networking,|
||communications work and a leadership programme.|
|Production|Restricted funding for specific co-productions across digital and|
||analogue platforms.|
|Pop Culture|Restricted Funding for a strand of work in the field of pop|
||culture and social change, encompassing sport, fashion and|
||gaming.|
|Arts and Social Change Retreat||
||Restricted funding based on a consortium partnership between|
||arts organisation, Counterpoints Arts, and four University|
||partners working with the Tate Exchange at the Tate Modern.|
||Project title 'Who Are We?'|
|International Comic Relief||
||Restricted funding for a series of commissions, publicity|
||networking and artist development in Greece, Germany & the|
||UK.|



23 



**COUNTERPOINTS ARTS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Cont.) For the year ended 31 March 2022** 

## **12. OTHER FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS – LAND AND BUILDINGS** 

|**OTHER FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS – LAND AND BUILDINGS**|||
|---|---|---|
|Contracts ending;<br>Not later than one year<br>Later than one and not later than five<br>years|**2022**<br>£<br>9,329<br>-<br>**9,329**|**2021**<br>£<br>13,157<br>-|
|||**13,157**|



Lease payments recognised as an expense in the year were £7,594 (2021: £6,787) 

## **13. SHARE CAPITAL** 

As the company is limited by guarantee it has no share capital and no shareholders. 

24