Ideas and Resources for Creating Safer Spaces
Having diversity is not only related to visibility for underrepresented groups – this naturally allows for a safer space within all contexts. Whether in a venue space, festival, in the studio or fostering a safe environment in the workplace where individuals can come forward with any issues or concerns, thus, this recognises the difference elements that go towards achieving safe spaces and equality for all intersections. Today we have gathered a range of resources when it comes to creating safer spaces, highlighting the scope in which this is needed – but we would also love to hear from you on what you have found indispensable as a resource in this crucial area.
The Association of Independent Festivals’ Safer Spaces at Festivals campaign and charter of best practice relaunched in May 2022 to tackle sexual violence, harassment and assault at festivals. Over 100 festivals have signed up to the charter which states that all allegations of sexual harassment, assault and violence will be taken seriously, acted upon promptly and investigated.
Equalize delivers courses and workshops in music production, songwriting, and performance. Equalize believe that everyone has the right to play, create, and follow a passion for audio, regardless of their gender, race, age, ability or sexual orientation, offering a safe space, free of judgement, and invite anyone with an interest in music to learn and ask questions.
The Live Toolkit from Onto It Media provides practical resources to programme and promote live performance. This includes guides, insights and ideas for new and experienced venues, bookers, event curators, musicians and other performers, practices gathered from experienced venue operators, promoters and organisations, including creating safe spaces and no tolerance policies for your live music venue.
The safety initiative ‘Ask for Angela’ from Safer Sounds rolled out to bars, clubs and other licensed businesses across London. People who feel unsafe, vulnerable or threatened can discreetly seek help by approaching venue staff and asking them for ‘Angela’. This code-phrase will indicate to staff that they require help with their situation and a trained member of staff will then look to support and assist them. A toolkit is available to download.
Safety and security on the dancefloor cannot be ignored – and can turn into aggressive, violent and unsafe spaces very quickly. Borne out of these concerns, Eco delves into the Colombian and Latin American electronic music scene. Created by seven women, the platform dives into this debate to create tools, debates and networks to strengthen safety and community with professionalization and collective resistance.
Guide to Creating Safer Spaces
Safe the Dance has developed this guide for helping you create safer spaces. It shows why safer space work is important and what steps everyone can take to ensure that all visitors feel safe. This guide is aimed at organizers, clubs, venues, collectives and festivals, but also offer a general first insight into this important topic for anyone interested in facilitating change.
Also from Safe the Dance:
11 Small Steps to Help Create Safer Spaces
Inclusion & Diversity Rider
Other Resources:
The Musicians’ Union Safe Space Scheme
Making Spaces Safer: A Guide to Giving Harassment the Boot Wherever You Work, Play, and Gather by Shawna Potter (Book)