Forest

Artist-centered mediation, support, and resources for individual artists or art collectives working through conflict with artists or organizations. An artist-centered approach recognizes the power imbalance between the artist(s) and the arts institutions that employ them. We advocate for a repair process that addresses harm caused interpersonally and systemically.

Both organizations and individuals can reach out to request this service. Regardless of who is taking the first step towards conflict resolution, our approach will recognize the role of systems of oppression in the conflict, and will center those with the least systemic power.

Conflict resolution is a powerful form of growth for individuals and communities that positively impacts our relationship Ecosystem. Taking accountability means making consistent, meaningful changes in the ways we relate to one another, so that artists can create their art with dignity and love. We are here to listen to artists in a supportive, validating, and trauma-informed approach that follows Vines’ guiding principles and values.

‍

Our service includes:

• Listening, first and foremost. No further actions are required or expected.
• Mediating and supporting conversations between parties
• Navigating healing support systems
• Negotiating financial restitution
• Exploring individual rights, such as employment rights
• Providing artist-centered alternatives to legal action
• Connecting artists to legal advice if requested
• Exploring the individual’s rights (e.g. employment rights, the Human Rights Act, etc)
• Identifying harmful situations in a trauma-informed space
• Validating and supporting artists throughout the process
• Addressing isolation

Guiding Principles

• Harm is complex, each situation is unique, and skipping over nuance is a characteristic of white supremacy. We position ourselves against white supremacy.
• Healing is relational and requires commitment from all involved. It is deeply conditional to consent and follow-through.
• Processes are survivor-led. Survivors are those who are impacted by systemic oppression and imbalance.
• Repair is not guaranteed.
• Intentional or not, harm is still impactful.
• Conflict can support growth