Equality & Safer Space Guidelines

INTRODUCTION

Arteles supports creative freedom, individuality and a sense of belonging. We want people to have room to work, explore, rest and connect without pressure to conform to a particular identity, personality or way of creating.

Our community brings together different backgrounds, experiences and ways of understanding the world. We approach these differences with curiosity and care, recognising that our own perspective is always partial.

These guidelines describe how we put equality, respect and mutual consideration into practice. They complement our Code of Conduct and Complaints Procedure.

SCOPE

These guidelines apply to residents, staff, collaborators and visitors. They concern our shared spaces, activities and interactions, including communication connected with Arteles.

CREATIVE FREEDOM & INDIVIDUALITY

There is no single way to participate in creative life. People have different working rhythms, interests, needs and ways of relating to others.

Allow others to follow their own creative process without imposing your expectations.
Respect the need for concentration, rest, silence and solitude.
Invite people into conversations and activities without pressuring them to join.
Ask whether someone welcomes feedback before offering criticism of their work.
Discuss ideas openly while respecting the person behind them. Disagreement does not justify humiliation or personal attacks.

EQUALITY & RESPECT

Everyone deserves respectful treatment, regardless of their background, nationality, language, beliefs, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, health, financial circumstances or professional standing.

Discrimination, harassment, intimidation and deliberate exclusion are not accepted.

Let people describe their own identity and experience. Avoid assumptions based on appearance, accent or background.
Respect the names and pronouns people use.
Do not expect anyone to represent or explain an entire culture or group.
Be mindful of differences in language fluency, confidence and familiarity with the setting.
Professional recognition or experience does not give anyone greater entitlement to shared space, attention or respect.

PERSONAL BOUNDARIES & PRIVACY

Living and working together requires care for both shared life and personal space.

Ask before touching another person, entering their private room or using their belongings or work.
Obtain permission before photographing or recording someone and before sharing identifiable images or personal information about them.
Respect a refusal without asking the person to justify it.
Allow people to choose what they share about their lives, identities and experiences.
Do not treat private conversations or disclosures as material to circulate within the group.

Consent to one activity or situation does not imply consent to another. People may change their minds.

SHARED LIFE & PARTICIPATION

A welcoming community leaves room for different ways of being present.

Make space for others to speak, and listen without immediately correcting or interpreting their experience.
Notice whether the same people repeatedly dominate a discussion or decision.
Help keep common spaces and equipment available, usable and comfortable for others.
Observe house rules and quiet hours, and consider how your activities affect people nearby.
If someone seems excluded, offer an opportunity to participate while respecting their choice to remain apart.

Mutual care does not mean that residents are responsible for resolving another person’s difficulties. Staff can help when a situation needs support.

ACCESS & INDIVIDUAL NEEDS

Equal participation may require different arrangements for different people.

If you have an access requirement or another practical need, you are welcome to discuss it with the Arteles team before applying or arriving, or during your stay. We will discuss what can be arranged and explain relevant limitations so that you can make an informed decision.

Our existing buildings and shared living arrangements may not suit every access need. We aim to communicate clearly about facilities and consider individual arrangements without making assumptions about what a person can or cannot do.

OPENNESS, LEARNING & RESPONSIBILITY

Misunderstandings can arise in a community. What matters is how we respond.

If someone tells you that your words or actions have caused harm, listen and take the concern seriously.
Reflect on the effect of your behaviour, even if the effect was unintended.
Be willing to apologise, clarify and change your behaviour.
Allow room for learning without asking others to overlook repeated or harmful conduct.

Nobody is expected to feel comfortable in every discussion. Creative inquiry can involve challenging ideas. Our aim is to make room for that inquiry while maintaining respect for people’s dignity and boundaries.

SUPPORT & RAISING CONCERNS

If you experience or witness discrimination, harassment, exclusion or another concern, you can speak with an Arteles staff member. You do not need to confront the person involved before asking for support.

For confidential advice, you may contact:

Teemu Räsänen, Director, teemu.rasanen@arteles.org

If the concern involves the Director, or you would prefer to contact another staff member, you may contact:

Amber Harmon, Residency Coordinator, amber.harmon@arteles.org

Written and anonymous reports can be submitted through the channels described in our Complaints Procedure.
Anonymous reporting is possible, although it may limit our ability to ask follow-up questions or respond directly.

Concerns are handled with discretion and respect for the people involved. The response and any further action follow our Code of Conduct and Complaints Procedure.

A SHARED PRACTICE

Arteles staff are responsible for introducing and supporting these principles and responding to concerns. Everyone taking part in our activities contributes through their own behaviour.

We welcome feedback on barriers, unclear expectations and practices that could work better. Resident feedback, conversations and staff observations help us develop our working methods and improve these guidelines.

A safer space is an ongoing practice of attention, communication and responsibility. At Arteles, this practice supports the freedom to be yourself, pursue your work and encounter others with openness.