Policy Statement
The Vancouver Outsider Arts Festival (VOAF) is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all participants, including artists, volunteers, staff, and attendees. Harassment, violence, and discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated. This policy is in accordance with British Columbia’s Human Rights Code and Occupational Health and Safety Regulation.
Definitions:
Harassment: Any unwelcome conduct, comment, gesture, or contact that causes offense, humiliation, or intimidation. This includes but is not limited to sexual harassment and bullying.
Bullying and harassing behavour can include:
- Verbal aggression or yelling
- Humiliation initiation practices
- Spreading malice rumours
- Calling someone derogatory names
- Making unwelcome jokes or comments about someone’s gender, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, disability, mental illness, neuro(a)typicality, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, citizenship status, or religion.
- Micro-aggressions, which is a term used for brief and commonplace daily verbal, behavioural, or environmental indignities, whether intentional or unintentional, that communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative racial slights and insults toward any marginalized group.
- Deliberate ‘outing’ of any aspect of a person’s identity without their consent, or stalking or following without consent.
Sexual Harassment includes but is not limited to:
- Offensive or humiliating behaviour that is related to a person’s gender identity.
- Behaviour of a sexual nature that creates an intimidating, unwelcome, hostile, or offensive environment.
- Physical contact and simulated physical contact (e.g. textual descriptions like ‘hug’ or ‘backrub’) without consent or after a request to stop.
- Behaviour of a sexual nature that could reasonably be thought to put sexual conditions on a person’s work opportunities.
Violence: Any use of physical force or threat that could cause physical injury. This includes but is not limited to physical assaults, threats, and aggressive behavior.
Violent Behaviour includes, but is not limited to:
- Hitting another person
- Throwing objects
- Incitement of violence towards any individual
- Any violence, or threats, whether conveyed verbally, in writing, or through behaviour.
Discrimination: Discrimination refers to negative treatment that is based on a personal characteristic that is protected by the BC Human Rights Code. This includes negative treatment based on any of the following:
- Indigenous identity
- Race
- Colour
- Ancestry
- Place of origin
- Religion
- Family status
- Marital status
- Physical disability
- Mental disability
- Sex
- Age
- Sexual orientation
- Gender identity or expression
- Political belief
- Conviction of a criminal or summary conviction offense unrelated to the role as a festival artist
Scope of this policy
This policy applies to all VOAF activities, including but not limited to:
- Festival activities
- Workshops (Artist workshops and festival workshops with members of the public)
- Visual Art Exhibitions
- Performances
- Meetings with staff and artists (in-person and online meetings)
- Social events
- Communications (both in-person and digital)
Responsibilities by the organization (Community Arts Council of Vancouver)
- Ensure all participants are aware of this policy.
- Provide resources on recognizing and preventing harassment, violence, and discrimination.
- Respond promptly and effectively to any complaints or incidents.
- Maintain confidentiality to the greatest extent possible.
Responsibilities by participating artists
- Treat everyone with respect and dignity.
- Refrain from any form of harassment, violence, or discrimination.
- Report any incidents or concerns to the organization (Community Arts Council of Vancouver).
Reporting Procedures
- Immediate Action: If you feel safe and comfortable, address the behavior directly with the individual involved.
- Report the Incident: Contact a VOAF organizer in person or via email at [email protected]. Provide as much detail as possible, including the nature of the incident, date, time, location, and any witnesses.
- Investigation: The VOAF organizers will conduct a thorough and impartial investigation. This may include interviews with the complainant, the respondent, and any witnesses.
- Resolution: Based on the findings, appropriate actions will be taken. This may include mediation, disciplinary action, or referral to external authorities if necessary.
Consequences
Anyone found to have violated this policy may be subject to disciplinary actions, which may include:
- Verbal or written warnings
- Removal from the event or venue
- Banning from future VOAF events
- Notification to law enforcement or other relevant authorities
Support and Resources
VOAF is committed to supporting those affected by harassment, violence, and discrimination. Support may include:
- Providing information on counseling and support services
- Offering mediation or conflict resolution services
- Assisting with filing complaints with external bodies, such as the BC Human Rights Tribunal or WorkSafeBC
Fair and Respectful Treatment Policy
Policy Statement
The Vancouver Outsider Arts Festival (VOAF) is committee to ensuring fair and respectful treatment for all artists involved in the festival. This policy is designed to outline the condition and procedures for the termination of an artists particpation in VOAF activities, in complaince with applicable laws in British Columbia
Grounds for Termination
Termination of an artist’s participation may occur under the following circumstances:
- Voluntary Termination: The artist chooses to withdraw from the festival or related activities.
- Involuntary Termination: VOAF initiates termination due to reasons including, but not limited to:
- Misconduct: Violation of VOAF policies, including harassment, violence, or discrimination.
- Non-Compliance: Failure to adhere to VOAF guidelines, deadlines, or requirements for participation.
- Poor Performance: Failure to meet the artistic standards or obligations agreed upon in the artist contract.
- Operational Changes: Changes in festival programming, funding, or other operational considerations necessitating termination.
Notice of Termination
- Written Notice: VOAF will provide the artist with written notice of termination, outlining the reasons for termination and the effective date.
- Notice Period: Artists will typically be given a reasonable notice period, depending on the nature and timing of the festival activities. Immediate termination may be necessary in cases of severe misconduct.
Termination Process
- Communication: The artist will be informed of the termination decision through a formal written notice, which may be delivered via email or in person.
- Return of Property: The artist must return all VOAF property, including materials, equipment, and any other items provided by VOAF, by the effective date of termination.
- Final Payment: If applicable, the artist will receive any final payments due for work completed up to the termination date, in accordance with the terms of their contract and relevant laws.
Review and Updates
This policy will be reviewed annually and updated as necessary to ensure it remains effective and in compliance with all applicable laws.
Document was last updated: August 2, 2024
Contact Information
For questions or to report an incident, please contact:
Community Arts Council of Vancouver
Email: info@cacv.ca
Phone: 604-682-0010
By participating in the Vancouver Outsider Arts Festival, you agree to abide by this Anti-Harassment, Anti-Violence, and Anti-Discrimination Policy. Together, we can create a safe and welcoming environment for all.