This is the first version of how we’re actively creating safe spaces in the work we do. In addition to this policy we will be creating a contracts to ensure our community values are being upheld by those we work with.
We propose that by acting in accordance with the guidelines outlined below, we will be able to create safe spaces for the marginalised and the majority.
Our focus has been predominantly in spaces where music is consumed. Our policy extends to spaces that we use and have deemed in keeping with our ethos.
Safe – feeling comfortable to be your whole, divine, beautiful self. Not feeling the need to perform or be a version of yourself.
Space – a physical or virtual environment where everyone feels comfortable taking part in communal activities.
Therefore we’re looking to create spaces that are accessible to everyone and are without judgement.
N.B We believe there are many spaces that already cater to a white, cis-male crowd and therefore our focus and research has been around spaces for women, gender minorities and people of colour.
Door Policy:
Security
N.B Selextorhood is continuously reviewing and choosing to work with practitioners who employ good practice and care in their work.
Dress Code
Crowd Behaviour:
Don’t Assume
Listen
Be Aware
On Stage Protocol:
Dance Floor Etiquette:
Selextorhood has Zero Tolerance to:
N.B If unwanted behaviour is brought to our attention, we will follow up the incident with those involved and ask people to leave the event if necessary and safe to do so.
Conflict Resolution:
Pause
Respond
Selextorhood Safe Spacers
Break Out Space:
Alcohol & Drugs:
Getting Home Safely:
Women, and even more so Black women are severely underrepresented in the music business as outlined by Inclusion in the Music Business: Gender & Race/Ethnicity Across Executives, Artists & Talent Teams by Dr. Stacy L. Smith, Dr. Carmen Lee, Marc Choueiti, Dr. Katherine Pieper, Zoe Moore, Dana Dinh & Artur Tofan (2021) and the UK Music Diversity Report.
In our effort to inspire change in the music industries we have outlined these commitments to contribute to the equalising of race and gender and be transparent in what we are working towards.
Structural:
We know that racism is systemic. During the second uprising of the BLM movement in 2020 we made a commitment to stand in solidarity with Black people. We are making sure that this commitment is more than lip service by committing to actionable things so that SLX is a true representation of the Black community in Birmingham.
Historical and Education in Safe Spaces:
We acknowledge that DJing is a historically Black art form started by DJ Kool Herc and DJ Grand Master Flash. We are working with Black led arts organisations to deliver annual programmes that continue to support and resource more people who want to get into DJing. We aim to have community curated events that centre specific communities.
Everyday:
SLX serves a wide community, but has a very small team, therefore we are being intentional about acknowledging what we can do and places where we can do more.
We aim to lead by example with the DJs we book. We know that anti racist work is an essential part of building our community, we will highlight and spotlight organisations, collectives, individuals who are already doing the work, collaborate where we can and step out of the way when it is necessary.