Power-Based Misconduct Policy



New Forms acknowledges that its events and activities take place on unceded ancestral land of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.






Principles:



New Forms strives to create spaces for experience and engagement in a way that is accessible and inclusive to everyone. This Code of Conduct is one tool to help us achieve this goal.




This Code of Conduct is rooted in acknowledgement of the following:

We strive to create spaces for experiencing and celebrating diverse expressions of art and music in which respect, equity, and care are valued and upheld.

We recognize that racism and colonial legacies of oppression exist throughout Canadian society, and as such are present in New Forms.
We recognize that essential elements of the cultures, genres, and styles showcased by New Forms come from the experiences of people and communities who have been oppressed by racism, colonialism, homophobia, transphobia, and other forms of bias and oppression.
We recognize the specific experiences of Black and Indigenous people and the importance of considering these specific experiences in anti-racism measures.

We recognize that we are responsible for combating racism and oppression at our events and the physical and online spaces that we host.
We strive for equity and inclusivity when creating work opportunities, and actively encourage participation by people who come from backgrounds that are underrepresented.






Scope:



This Code of Conduct applies to everyone in the New Forms Community when attending events or participating in the spaces.

Everyone in the New Forms Community is expected to have reviewed this Code of Conduct and must comply with it when at New Forms Events or in New Forms Spaces.








Expectations:



Treat everyone with dignity and respect.

This means you will, among other things:
  • Refrain from committing any Acts of Oppression or Violence.
  • Ask for and receive consent before touching others, and respect boundaries that are set.
  • Refer to other members of the New Forms Community by their chosen names and pronouns.
  • Respect the personal property of others.


Treat New Forms Spaces with respect.

This means you will, among other things:
  • Refrain from vandalizing or damaging venues.
  • Treat venue staff politely and in accordance with this Code of Conduct.
  • Leave venues quietly to respect their neighbours.


Uphold the Principles set out in this Code of Conduct.

This means you will, among other things:
  • Be mindful of how your language and actions could affect the safety and accessibility of others sharing a space.
  • Hold an awareness of how power dynamics may be at play in all of your interactions.
  • Be mindful of how much space you are taking up in your interactions with others.
  • Hold each other accountable for language and actions.
  • Be open to receiving feedback about your language and actions.
  • Seek help and support when needed.






Definitions:



The New Forms Code of Conduct uses the following terms:

  • Act of Oppression or Violence means physical, verbal, or other acts based in systems of oppression, including, but not limited to, racism, transphobia, misgendering, homophobia, misogyny, ableism, body shaming, fatphobia, slut-shaming, catcalling, stalking, unwanted comments on others’ consensual sexual expression, unwanted or non-consensual touching, sexual misconduct, harassment, or assault.

  • Board means the board of directors of New Forms.

  • Code of Conduct means this document, which applies to all members of the New Forms Community when attending New Forms Events or New Forms Spaces.

  • Executive Director means the executive director of New Forms.

  • New Forms means the New Forms Media Society and the New Forms Festival.

  • New Forms Community means everyone associated with New Forms, including staff members, board members, contractors, artists, volunteers, partner organizations, and members of the public attending a New Forms Event or a New Forms Space.

  • New Forms Events means the New Forms Festival or other events hosted or promoted by New Forms, or in partnership with New Forms.

  • New Forms Spaces means all events, meetings, production locations, or other sites hosted by New Forms, whether physical or virtual.

  • New Forms Team means New Forms’ staff, board members, contractors, or volunteers.

  • Power-Based Misconduct Policy means New Forms’ Power-Based Misconduct Policy.





What happens when there is a violation in conduct?



New Forms will acknowledge and address all reported violations of this Code of Conduct, whether those acts are verbal, physical, or another form.


If you have any concerns about behavior that may violate this Code of Conduct you can let us know:


At a New Forms Event: By notifying a member of the New Forms Team. You can also notify venue staff, who will help you to identify a New Forms Team member.

After a New Forms Event or in a New Forms Space: By contacting us, either through our reporting form or directly by email at info@newformsfestival.com


All reports of violations of this Code of Conduct will be navigated using our Power-Based Misconduct Policy.




︎