Arts SA, Screen Australia, adopt new policies against bullying and harassment

Two government bodies dealing with the arts and entertainment have taken a stand against bullying and harassment.

From March 1, Arts SA will adopt a new policy where the funding of associations and individuals is conditional “on the recipient demonstrating they are prepared to deal with issues affecting the workplace safety of all staff and contractors.”

As part of role as the South Australian Government’s arts, music and culture body, it funds the state’s 20 major arts organisations and cultural institutions, plus more than 20 smaller organisations and hundreds of independent artists including musicians.

Arts SA will provide guidance and is developing and collating resources to help individual practitioners and organisations with this process.  

It is keen that the entire sector adopts a similar zero tolerance approach to all forms of bullying and harassment.

Its executive director Peter Louca, said: "The safety and wellbeing of our entire sector is of paramount importance.

"Our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment for all, already a given in our own and other workplaces, will be required by anyone receiving government funding for arts and culture.

"Rather than being an onerous addition to the grant application process, Arts South Australia will provide support, advice and will collate and develop online resources to better inform individuals and organisations in developing or adapting a policy to help protect their employees or contractors.

"We are also planning to hold a workshop for the major funded organisations specifically on the issue of sexual harassment in the workplace and provide access to online training resources for the whole South Australian sector."

More information on policies at the Arts SA official website.

Screen Australia has published its final draft of the proposed Code of Conduct to Assist the Prevention of Sexual Harassment.

From April 2, all the screen productions that the Federal Government agency develops, produces and promotes have to abide by the Code.

This includes ensuring that every person working on a production have to be made aware of the Code.

Producers have to nominate a trained staff member to be a Sexual Harassment Prevention Contact - to address any harassment complaints.

Producers will also be required to submit a Code Compliance Report at the conclusion of production, in the form of a statutory declaration, confirming all Code obligations were met.

See the full code here.