International network for contemporary performing arts
#MeToo in Culture From call-outs to structural change
SHIFT Partners Release Research-Informed Recommendations on Combating Sexual Harassment and Power Abuse in the European Cultural Sector
In light of developments since 2017, when the #MeToo movement rose to global prominence, the partners of the SHIFT – Shared Initiatives for Training project (nine cultural networks and platforms) decided to tackle sexual harassment and power abuse in the European art world. By means of research, interviews, case studies and recommendations, their final publication is the culmination of the SHIFT project’s work on Gender and Power Relations in the European cultural sector.
When examining and discussing sexual harassment and power abuse, the SHIFT partners believe it is necessary to shift the focus from unique cases to macro-structures, from individual experiences to collective ones.
Through research and main observations, the new SHIFT publication #MeToo in the Arts: From call-outs to structural change starts by nuancing some preconceptions about the status quo of Gender and Power Relations in the arts while taking into consideration the diversity of contexts in Europe. It further includes concise “stories of change”; case studies derived from interviews which instigated a structural process of change in a given context.
Using a transnational, cross-border approach, the publication also puts forward recommendations and solution-oriented strategies for the arts sector in general – and European cultural networks in particular – for combating sexual harassment and power abuse, and creating equitable and safe professional environments for art workers.
The SHIFT – Shared Initiatives for Training project aims to provide training and skills for cultural leaders, specifically those of cultural networks, on four strands: Cultural Leadership, Inclusion, Environmental Sustainability, and Gender and Power Relations. Cultural leaders shall be enabled to implement changes where needed and to pass on their knowledge gained through the project to leaders and staff members of their network, as well as to the broader cultural sector.
Being a part of the SHIFT project alongside eight other cultural networks and platforms, IETM is leading the project strand on Gender and Power Relations, and contributes to the packages on Environmental Sustainability and Inclusion. The project is coordinated by the European Music Council.
