Introduction to Developing Ethical Guidelines for Dance Practice
In the context of dance performance, many things can go wrong. Artists may be travelling beyond their home countries or working in unfamiliar situations. Performers may be working with other artists who are much more powerful or influential. Contracts may not exist, or workers may feel unable to negotiate with their employers. There is often the opportunity for uncertainty and misunderstanding, and even exploitation or abuse.
Ethical guidelines, which are clearly visible and accepted by all members of a creative team, may help to establish safe working conditions and ensure appropriate practice. However, many dance institutions in Asia lack their own ethical guidelines, leaving performers, choreographers and producers without support in times of crisis.
AND+ provides a list of suggested questions for dance artists and organisations who are interested in developing their own ethical guidelines. These questions provide a simple and accessible entry point into the many issues that ethical guidelines can address.
We have also compiled a number of online resources which are useful references. These include existing ethical guidelines by dance companies, dance welfare organisations, funding organisations and production companies from around the world, which can serve as examples and inspiration. A number of these resources also address particular ethical topics – including sexual harassment, rights of indigenous people, and disability access – in more detail.
We encourage you to use these questions and references to help you and your team engage with these critical issues, and craft your own ethical guidelines. We invite feedback on the questions as well as suggestions of other useful reference materials.
Questions to Encourage Ethical Guidelines
What do we expect from the behaviour of our co-workers?
What is our responsibility for the physical health and safety of the creative team, technical team, the audience and other stakeholders?
What is the responsibility of the artist to the audience and stakeholders?
Where does responsibility lie in transitional work
How do you support the wellbeing of members of your team?
How do we encourage a culture of respect and consent with our co-workers?
What is consent?
In your workplace, is there agreement that people consent to what they do?
Do you feel empowered to say yes or no to requests in your workplace?
Are there ways to be protected from bullying and verbal, physical and sexual abuse and harassment?
How is diversity and equality considered in your production/workplace?
How can you respect the different perspectives that come from different ethnicity, religion, gender or sexual orientation?
What are the rights of children, elders and people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups involved in the production/workplace?
What strategies can make your work place more inclusive?
Have you considered steps to address environmental sustainability?
Have you discussed the issue of privacy and protocol around the use of social media?
Do you need media release forms?
What is the legal framework in your country? If you have artistic partners from other countries, what is their legal framework? How do your ethical guidelines relate to the legal framework?
What is the fair rate of payment in your context?
What can you do if you are offered a bribe to provide a favour, or if you see bribes being offered?
Do you need a contract? Do you feel empowered to negotiate your contract?
Who owns the copyright of the work you are making?
Is there an organisation or resource to support you?
Who can you contact in a case of crisis? If you see unethical or abusive behaviour in your workplace, what do you do?
How can we work together to take small steps to improve ethical practices in our workplace?
Resources
Creating New Futures (New York, USA)
Australia Council - Protocols for Working with Indigenous Peoples
Live Performance Australia
