OUR VALUES
WE CULTIVATE OUR IMAGINATION
AND EMBRACE THE INTRICATE
BEAUTY OF THE WORLD
WE CULTIVATE OUR IMAGINATION AND EMBRACE THE INTRICATE BEAUTY OF THE WORLD
CREATIVITY
We value artistic innovation, curiosity and virtuosity
COLLABORATION
We work across borders, fostering dialogue, mutual trust and understanding between cultures
INCLUSIVITY
We are open, supportive and embrace diversity
FAIRNESS & EQUITY
We believe and act for social and environmental justice
WE PRESENT PROGRAMMES THAT ARE
INCLUSIVE AND ACCESSIBLE
We value the diversity of our audiences, artists and workforce, and we are committed to presenting programmes that are inclusive and accessible to all members of society.
In our past editions, we have started taking key steps in making our events more accessible by choosing venues and partnering with local organisations that can provide wheelchair-friendly and more accessible spaces for differently abled people. As we work better to ensure that every person, regardless of ability, will have equal access to our events in a safe, respectful environment, we will engage with local disability advocacy groups to help identify specific needs and improve the overall accessibility of the events.
In terms of supporting individuals with impairments, we are working towards providing the following for our audiences:
Individuals with hearing impairments
We will work to provide sign language interpreters for performances or talks and captioning services for videos. Where possible, we may provide touch tours and offer appropriate assistive technology.
Individuals with visual impairments
Audio-introductions of performances and talks will be available on our website for blind and visually impaired people and anyone who prefers listening to reading.
Sensory rooms
We will continue partnering with local organisations and venues that may also provide sensory rooms, which are quiet, cozy spaces designed for emotional and sensory decompression, especially for individuals with autism or neurodivergence. These will offer a safe, comfortable environment for anyone needing a break from the energy of art events.
Venues accessibility
The accessibility of spaces and the removal of architectural barriers is a long and complex process, which often requires structural work. We work with our partners to provide wheelchair accessible venues and we provide free tickets to the accompanying person.
OUR ACTIVITIES SUPPORT
A MORE LIVABLE FUTURE
We uphold rigorous standards for managing events sustainably.
We embrace inclusive practices that support artistic communities.
We inspire festival goers and stakeholders to adopt behaviors that prioritise the planet's future.
We thoughtfully consider the varied socio-political and economic contexts of artists and their works when curating for the festival.
We recognise that addressing environmental challenges requires an intersectional approach that accounts for power dynamics and social inequities.
Through the years, we have been integrating more sustainable practices not only into our operations, but also in our programming and partnerships.
Online meetings and hybrid artist residencies
By adopting hybrid models for our artist residencies and going online for meetings, we reduce the need for extensive travel, which not only reduces our environmental impact, but ensures that exchange of ideas and knowledge continues between artists and collaborators despite their physical locations.
Online ticketing system
The festival has a fully digital ticketing system, eliminating the need for paper tickets, reducing waste and helping to minimise our carbon footprint.
Sustainability-themed projects
With our increasing focus on sustainability, we have also been supporting projects that highlight the intersection of arts, culture and the environment, both in their themes and their practices. Whether through community engagement or works that spark awareness, we strive to create initiatives that encourage action and inspire others to join the advocacy for a more sustainable world.
Partnerships with sustainability-focused organisations
We have been working with organisations that specialise in sustainability to minimise waste and promote recycling and upcycling. Using old festival materials and collateral such as banners to create merchandise items is only the starting point of a long journey.
In our commitment to creating a more sustainable festival, we will be taking proactive steps through the following initiatives:
Transportation and accommodation
We will encourage artists and festivalgoers to consider car-sharing or low-emission transportation options whenever possible. Choosing local accommodation within proximity to the event venues will also be taken into account.
Procurement
To involve the local communities more, we will prioritise renting equipment from local suppliers, especially those who are also committed to sustainable practices. We will also offer local and seasonal vegetarian food, including vegan options, and prohibit distribution of water bottles during event receptions and other activities.
Awareness-raising
As audiences are a huge part of our festival, we will be creating green guides for festivalgoers to raise their awareness both on the topic of sustainability and our commitment to creating a sustainable festival.