The Arts as a Catalyst for Freedom of Expression: Are We Ready?

In December 2023, graffiti saying, “Free Palestine” was painted at the entrance of the historic Belfry Theatre in Victoria BC, and a rally was held at the theatre calling for the cancellation of a controversial one-man play, "The Runner". The play, set in Israel, depicts an Israeli man involved with Orthodox Jewish volunteer Z.A.K.A. and explores complex moral themes related to violence and conflict.

After protests, petitions and counter-petitions the company pulled the play from the 2024 SPARK Festival lineup, citing concerns over escalating community tensions.

Difficult decisions like this one are being made in art spaces around the world, and as long as art continues to explore complex ideas, push boundaries and confront uncomfortable truths, it will inevitably provoke.

To uphold the spirit of artistic freedom while supporting safety, staff and volunteers must be empowered to defuse tense situations, de-escalate conflicts and uphold policies.Front-line workers in art spaces are the face of the organization. They’re the greeters, the direction-givers, the problem-solvers, the helpers and the explainers. Unlike positions that are less client-facing, they have an increased exposure to challenging interactions.

Some ways to support them:

Ensure Emergency Policies and Procedures are up to date, and actionable.

Documents like your CCTV policy or "Lone Worker Safety" policy aren't static documents, they need an annual (or more frequently) review. Emergency Plans should be accessible to staff, and in a format easy to reference in the event of an emergency, which 100% of the time is NOT a 200+ page manual collecting dust in a cupboard.

Create a culture of safety.

Integrating safe work practices builds trust within organizations, improves reporting, and reflects that leadership is invested in the physical and psychological wellbeing of employees.

Ensure staff are empowered to navigate challenging interactions

Invest in training for your team so they feel confident navigating challenging interactions. Knowledge is power! And it's empowering to have skills like recognizing conflict warning signs, improved awareness of our own bias, how to balance empathy and assertiveness, and what to do when de-escalation fails.

It’s impossible to create completely ‘safe’ spaces, because safety, like trauma, is subjective. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t commit to cultivating spaces where diverse perspectives are welcomed and conflicts are managed competently and constructively. By equipping your team with the skills to navigate disagreements, we empower artists and visitors alike to engage more authentically.

As a fan of and participant in the arts, I feel strongly about supporting the integrity of creative spaces, so all kinds of themes can be explored and shared.

To learn more about the "Navigate Challenging Interactions with Confidence, Courage and Resilience" workshops, info-sessions and training, reach out to resiliencelab.vic@gmail.com