Aire Place Studios aims to create a safer and comfortable space for studio members and the wider public to thrive. Our Safer Space Policy is not exhaustive and continues to be a working document. By entering the space you must acknowledge and understand our safer space policy.
ZERO TOLERANCE.
All studio and board members have the right to ask you to leave, and all prejudices* will be challenged. If you have acted or spoken harmfully, even if unintentionally, someone will bring this up with you. If this happens, listen and reflect on what they are saying even if you think they may be wrong. Don’t try to absolve yourself of responsibility. Harassment, hostility and aggression will not be tolerated in any form and if we feel that you have overstepped the mark, any behaviour – physical or verbal – that harms others, or makes existing power imbalances worse, is not welcome and you will be asked to leave. Please seek a studio member or staff member if you have been subject to a compromising conversation of this nature, to ensure this is properly communicated.
RESPECT OTHERS.
Before you touch anyone or discuss sensitive topics ask if they are comfortable with that. Don’t assume other’s physical & emotional boundaries are the same as yours. Always get explicit verbal consent before touching someone or crossing boundaries. If a discussion becomes personal, we trust those involved will keep what is said inside the room and behave with kindness and consideration when responding.
Do not make assumptions about anyone’s gender, pronouns, sexual preference, abilities, ethnic identity, survivor status, or life experiences. Do not be derogatory to anyone about these things. Be prepared to challenge hateful, discriminatory, or oppressive language. If you are challenged, do not become defensive, but listen and think and learn.
BE REFLECTIVE:
Identify your own privileges – the things that sometimes give you an easier ride than others – and actively challenge them. It is everyone’s responsibility to challenge prejudice and oppression, and if we ignore it we are allowing it to happen. Be aware of your privileges; including less obvious or invisible hierarchies. Think about how your words, opinions and feelings are influenced and who they might exclude or harm. Everyone has an equal right to be heard and an equal responsibility to listen (people who are used to talking may feel the benefit of listening more, and vice versa).
Recognise that anyone in the space could be a survivor of a particular form of oppression, for example, violence or racism. Be considerate of how much you are speaking to avoid dominating the conversation, and avoid interrupting other people who are sharing their views. We encourage participants to listen to views which are different from their own, but feel confident in expressing opposition in a non-confrontational way.
*Prejudice based on age, ethnicity, nationality, class, gender, gender presentation, language ability, immigration status or religious affiliation is unacceptable and will be challenged.