Commitment to Safety

Sound Scene aspires to make all visitors and participants feel supported and free from harm. 

We aim to offer indiscriminate care for all based on the recognition that all of us have the capacity to both cause harm as well as to offer care. We want to nurture the latter and weaken the former.

In the event that harassment, intimidation, stalking, following, unwanted photography or recording, inappropriate physical contact, and/or unwelcome sexual attention occurs at Sound Scene or involving a representative of Sound Scene in their official capacity, we will respond with utmost gravity. If any of these behaviors take place at Sound Scene and are reported to us, we will make a report for our own records and, when appropriate, seek a peaceable solution. This applies to Sound Scene staff, volunteers, and artists in addition to our audience members.

We can only respond to reports that are made to us by someone who identifies themselves clearly. In any such case, we will hold the confidence of such a person unless that person specifically requests otherwise. Reports can be made in-person to a Sound Scene Co-Director or by email DCListeningLounge at gmail dot com.

Every circumstance is unique but, in the vast majority of cases, our ability to intervene is confined to what takes place during Sound Scene and in the curatorial and preparatory tasks leading up to it for which we are responsible. We are unable and unqualified to ethically mediate or act on most reports of unhealthy or abusive interpersonal relationships that occur outside of our festival or in a private, non-festival setting. 

We believe that by upholding these principles, we can build a vibrant, inspiring, and safe environment for all members of our artistic community.  

Credit to Yes We Cannibal (Baton Rouge), Rhizome DC, and South Hills Artists Collaborative (Pittsburgh) for much of the language here.