What are we doing to be proactive about safe spaces? 
[Last updated 019.11.2021]
If you want to make your feedback and identity known to us, please email press@brave-exhibitions.co.uk
If you want to make your feedback and identity known to us, please email press@brave-exhibitions.co.uk
Brave Exhibitions wants to extend their welcome to this year’s festival. In such a turbulent time for our local music community, the event recognises the importance of coming together and being proactive about change. There is an understandable doubt that music organisations are claiming to take the right steps forward but have nothing to show for it. We want to be fully transparent in the precautions we are taking and provide you with regular updates; peace of mind doesn’t take a lot! This is a tricky time for the music industry and reassurance of our progress is the least we can do. As a festival, we are looking inwards to see if there are any changes or improvements we can make first, in a bid to make the space safe to the best of our ability. To ensure we do this properly, we have requested the help of Tits Upon Tyne to assist us in this development. With their guidance and research, we have budgeted time and space to make this a priority. We would love if you could take the time to read through some of the steps we have taken in implementing comprehensive and safe measures:
An open conversation about constant improvements is welcomed, especially from staff and artists involved with Brave Exhibitions. We have set up an anonymous feedback form to reinforce this that can be accessed here. The resources put together by Tits Upon Tyne are available for use by everyone, please feel free to utilise them how you see fit; Safe space sister organisations.
Mission Statement from Tits Upon Tyne:
Our aim is to take a proactive approach in response to recent industry happenings. We understand that assuring complete safety is unrealistic and unattainable, however we recognise that there are more preventative measures that can be taken. As part of our non-profit work within the Northeast music community, we are assisting grass root venues in a bid to further prioritise staff, customer and artist safety. Throughout this research, there will be a focus on minority groups and creating a safe space for music lovers. This does not touch on all ideas but provides a rough outline for the next steps in being proactive – the goal is to have these standards met on a wide scale, thus must be cost-effective and accessible to all venues and promoters alike. Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Who have we reached out to?
FOR THE LOVE OF MUSIC POSTER: Use this poster to spread the word about the MU’s Safe Space and importance of reporting sexual harassment in music industry.
Newcastle-based licensed venues can apply providing you can commit to:
A face-to-face group training session for those in managerial and supervisory roles – Training provided by Rape Crisis Tyneside & Northumberland at a Newcastle city centre venue.
An online training course for all staff members to take within 6 weeks of step 2 – Four modules to complete with quizzes throughout, once complete a certificate will last for 2 years before staff must retake. The certificate is transferable between Newcastle licensed-premises.
Support from Shout-Up! to implement necessary policies and procedures within 6 weeks of step 2 – Our team will help you to create research and create policies, to ensure they are compliant and appropriately safeguard staff and patrons from sexual harassment.
Keychange is a movement fighting for a sustainable music industry.
We support talented but underrepresented artists and encourage organisations to take a pledge for gender equality.
As we manifest this goal together, Keychange champions statistics, achievements, and our roster of talent, allies and leaders.