Cross-border behaviour in the culture and media sector is a persistent and urgent problem that cannot be solved easily. The rising number of reports in recent times shows only the tip of the iceberg. This is stated in the opinion 'Across borders, towards a shared culture' which the Culture Council today presented to State Secretary Gunay Uslu of Culture and Media. Mariëtte Hamer attended the presentation as government commissioner for sexual transgressive behaviour and sexual violence. It is necessary to start the good conversation about this on every shop floor in the culture and media sector.
Transgressive behaviour, according to the opinion, is not just about sexual harassment and abuse. It can also include bullying, racism, sexism, discrimination and other forms of undesirable behaviour, which create an unsafe working environment. Victims often develop physical and mental symptoms such as stress, burnout and depression.
It also occurs in other sectors, but in the culture and media sector there are specific risk factors that create additional vulnerability, the council argues. For instance, the sector often selects from a large pool of talent, while there are only a limited number of play and show venues. Casting directors, curators, teachers and artistic directors necessarily act as gatekeepers in this process, which creates unequal power relations. Especially if they, consciously or unconsciously, act on the basis of prejudice and stereotyping, an unsafe working environment is created.
On top of this, there is often loose-fixed employment and job insecurity. The self-employed are particularly vulnerable. The sector is also characterised by a strong performance culture and physical contact is an inseparable part of work in many genres.
Out of fear, discomfort and shame, victims often do not dare report unwanted behaviour and bystanders look the other way. The council refers to this as a culture of silence. Moreover, existing structures aimed at social safety, such as hotlines and confidential counsellors, are often difficult for victims to find, or they lack the confidence to use them.
The council recommends focusing first and foremost on prevention. This starts with a good discussion on the shop floor about power relations and safety, and about what is desirable and undesirable behaviour. That conversation should in any case include awareness of one's own behaviour and how to pick up signals from others. But also awareness of one's own boundaries and how to indicate them. On this basis, concrete agreements can be reached about what can and cannot be done in specific situations. This should provide action perspectives for all involved.
But more is needed: fairer pay and a better legal status for self-employed workers in particular should be a spearhead for cultural and media institutions. Social safety in arts education should also become a standard part of the curriculum. The council further advises making a didactic endorsement compulsory for all teachers, including part-time teachers, most of whom come from the professional field.
The Mores hotline has quickly developed into the central hotline for cross-border behaviour in the culture and media sector. To cope with the increasing number of reports, structural support from the state is a requirement. Finally, the council notes that there is a great need for recurrent structural research into and monitoring of the nature and extent of the problem. A newly established knowledge centre should provide this.
Documents:
Across the border.pdf
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