Taidetila Muijala guidelines for preventing and addressing inappropriate behaviour and harassment*
* many thanks to HIAP and the FAIRE network for sharing their protocols which we have adopted and adapted.
Maintaining a safe and open environment which encourages sharing and collaboration is important to us.
We believe this is a collective effort. It is everyone’s task to actively promote social safety and to contribute to our community in a positive way.
Personal boundaries shall be respected. We do not tolerate any form of sexual harassment or other forms of intimidation, aggression, bullying or discrimination. It is important to act as quickly and appropriately as possible in the event of suspected undesirable behaviour.
We promote and cultivate a diverse community. This requires each of us to listen, to be open to new perspectives and differences of opinion. Disagreement is no excuse for disrespectful behaviour or abuse of power.
Our code of conduct utilises the following definitions:
Undesirable behaviour: an action that has physical, psychological or social consequences which are perceived as negative. This includes sexual intimidation, discrimination, aggression, violence and bullying.
Intimidation: any form of verbal, non-verbal or physical behaviour with the purpose or effect of compromising the dignity of a person, adversely affecting work performance or creating an unsafe situation.
Sexual harassment: any form of verbal, non-verbal physical behaviour with a sexual connotation with the purpose or effect of compromising the dignity of a person, adversely affecting work performance or creating an unsafe situation.
Discrimination: expressing insults or violent actions against residents, visitors or staff because of their religion, belief, political affiliation, race, gender, gender identity, class, socio economic status, sexual orientation, nationality, marital status, age, disability, chronic illness or on any other ground relating to a person’s identity or background.
Aggression and violence: psychologically, physically or verbally harassing, threatening or attacking a visitor, resident or staff member.
Bullying: physical, verbal and non-verbal conduct of a repetitive or structural nature of one person intimidating another person.
Conflict Protocol:
If there is a problem / something we should know about please contact the residency host. You can do this in person or via WhatsApp.
We will do our best to help you.
When a conflict or case of inappropriate behaviour arises, the following steps will be taken by the relevant parties including the residency team and leadership:
- We will listen to all involved parties.
- We will seek to mediate and resolve conflicts.
- We will take action if it is proven that individuals or groups are interacting disrespectfully, excluding or harming others.
- We will seek professional advice where necessary.
- When there is no other option, we will stop the residency, project or activity.
- In all of these steps, we will approach sensitive matters on an individual basis. Cases are not shared within the whole community of the residency programme and confidentiality will be maintained by all parties involved.
Some useful guidelines for conflict resolution:
- Avoid assuming intent. Pay attention to actions, impact and context.
- People may have different expectations, norms and ways of communicating.
These can relate to time, privacy, shared spaces, unspoken rules, communication styles and cultural expectations. - Consent and transparency matter, especially in shared spaces and public activities.
- Respond proportionately. Not every disagreement needs a formal process, while some situations require immediate action.
- Repair does not always mean reconciliation. Sometimes a fair outcome may involve distance, changed conditions, additional support, restrictions, or ending an arrangement.
Pause and reduce escalation
- Move the issue to an appropriate private channel and identify who should respond.
- Avoid unnecessary group emails, public discussion or social-media escalation while the situation is being understood.
Check immediate safety
- Is anyone in immediate danger, or is there an urgent health, safety or legal concern?
- If yes, respond to the immediate need first. This might include creating physical distance, arranging medical or other professional support, addressing an environmental hazard, or contacting relevant services.
