a text-based, interactive, anonymous art writing game. Choose your own path and browse critical perspectives and advice on why we dislike writing about art and why we do it anyways, interspersed with opportunities for practice.
Featuring Sanaa Humayun and Preston Pavlis
To play, click Below:
Each part will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. Please play Creative Outlet on desktop Chrome or Firefox.
Content Warnings: moving text, unreality, discussions of colonialism and racism
Creative Outlet: Why is Writing About Art So Hard?
CREATIVE OUTLET SAFE(R) SPACES GUIDELINES
Being able to create a safer space for yourself, between two individuals, for a group, a community, an event or a workshop makes it hard for oppression to thrive. It stifles stereotypes, shrinks bias, expands perspective and opens communication. These guidelines represent proactive culture building in the hopes of creating a community where participants actively consider the experiences of others and the effects of their actions. It is an acknowledgement and commitment to the continual improvement of community safety.
These Safer Spaces Guidelines proactively establish the respectful and reflective behavior we want in the space of Creative Outlet, and communicate the harmful behavior we will not accept. Harmful behaviour includes but is not limited to: making racist, classist, transphobic, homophobic, fatphobic, ableist comments; sexual harassment; failing to respect the emotional safety of others; cultural appropriation, and being generally disrespectful of other attendees’ right to participate and have an enjoyable time.
While submissions to forms in Creative Outlet can be anonymous, they will be monitored. Harmful or otherwise inappropriate responses will be removed.
We expect every participant in Creative Outlet to adhere to the following guidelines:
1. RESPECT YOUR OWN PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL BOUNDARIES.
Stay attuned to your needs and only engage in the participation you’re comfortable with. If you don’t want to participate in any form response activity, feel free to leave the form blank and continue the session.
If something doesn’t feel right to you or is making you feel uncomfortable, or you need help, please contact us at curatorial@theworks.ab.ca. You may not be the only one who feels that way.
If you notice an inappropriate form submission, please let us know via email.
2. RESPECT OTHERS’ PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL BOUNDARIES.
Respect the physical and emotional boundaries of others when responding to forms.
Don’t use oppressive language in form responses. Oppressive language includes language that uses an identity or trait belonging to a certain group as a negative quality, or that trivializes experiences of violence or marginalization.
3. ASSUME POSITIVE INTENT.
We are all here to learn, and we all have something to offer.
Respect diverse opinions, beliefs, and points of view. Share ideas rather than judgements.
Everyone (including us and you) will make unintentional mistakes.
Take an active role in the collective responsibility of maintaining a safe and inclusive environment by looking out for each other, leading by example and prioritizing the comfort and experience of those who are rarely given priority (because of race, gender, sexual orientation, class, ability, age, size, etc.)