Sort of.
Today I’m going to pick up my installation. This semester, this residency, it was a lot to take on. I chose a topic that was so much bigger than a 6 week residency, and I’m happy I did. I’m not done researching, this won’t be the last Glitch in the System zine, or my last project related to marginalized people in the arts. I learned a lot about myself, I learned a lot about how other people share similar views and experiences that I do, and a lot of people have it a lot harder than I do. Most of my research related back to myself this time, if I were to do it again, I would have gotten the chance to explore more about BIPOC*, I wanted to be able to interview and accept submissions from BIPOC in the arts. I didn’t speak on BIPOC in the arts because I’m white, I don’t want to speak over anyone, I would rather give a voice to BIPOC, but I didn’t organize my projects fast enough to allow for this. My next zine, will definitely include this.
I think as I wrap up this residency it’s important to mention things we CAN do to be inclusive in the arts community. Physical accessibility is extremely important, hosting events at venues that are accessible is a really big deal. There are websites in Montreal that are devoted to this like “Is this venue accessible” (http://itvaccessible.com/city/montreal/) This website could use an update (and they invite people to email updates), but it’s an awesome place to start. My summer project will be to compile a list of accessible spaces in Montreal to release as a free source for promotors and people in the arts. Another really important thing is to enact safer spaces initiatives, which Montreal is actually really great for! I’m going to include a **safer spaces initiative to read over at the bottom of this page, Montreal is amazing for having these initiatives for music based shows, I’d like to see these initiatives carried over into the art world. Education needs to be accessible, university isn’t, and it probably won’t be for a long time, it will always be a struggle to try and fit into the rigid box that is post-secondary, but there are a bunch of ways for decentralized learning and educating can happen. QPIRG Concordia (Quebec Public Interest Research Group at Concordia) is a huge resource, it’s wheelchair accessible, safer space initiative is enforced, and its available to non-students (community members). Alternative Libraries is also an incredible resource for alternative knowledge. http://www.alternativelibraries.org/.
If you are a student at Concordia, the Accessibility Centre is an great resource, they hold workshops for exam and essay writing, how to overcome common problems for people with disabilities, tools for studying, and they also give access to tutors, pdf textbooks, note takers etc.
And lastly, the Fine Arts Reading Room, which was a place of solace for me this semester any time I needed to research, use a scanner or a computer, or even just sit on the couch and read a zine, they are a student run library, that has a bunch of awesome resources (including the incredibly knowledgeable staff), tons of art/gender/queer/contemporary related texts, a zine library, a small cozy atmosphere, and there's plants in there… which is more important than you think. After staring at computer screens my entire life, its so nice to read a zine by the window with some plants.
We need to remember how important it is to give voices to people who wouldn’t otherwise have the chance to speak. Marginalized people are often looked over for multiple reasons, and talked for by people that don’t fully understand the experience, and therefore don’t have the right to speak on it. Give voices to those who aren’t normally heard. Put women in your art shows, put BIPOC in your art shows, put disabled people in your art shows, put students in your art shows. Representation is extremely important.
I want to thank everyone who’s read my posts, came to see my installation in the FARR, saw my website, provided me with resources, assistance, and support. Thank you to the Fine Arts Reading Room for absolutely everything.
- Heather Ross
*BIPOC = Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour.
**Safer Spaces Initiatives
http://safespacenetwork.tumblr.com/Safespace does a good job at explaining safer spaces
“A Safe Space is a place where anyone can relax and be able to fully express, without fear of being made to feel uncomfortable, unwelcome, or unsafe on account of biological sex, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, cultural background, religious affiliation, age, or physical or mental ability.
A place where the rules guard each person’s self-respect and dignity and strongly encourage everyone to respect others.”
This means, no oppressive language or acts will be tolerated.
Often safe spaces are scent free (I’m one of the people that really appreciates this)
Listing the accessibility of the space, i.e., size of the door, amount of steps into the space and in the space, if there are ramps or a separate accessible door etc.
A safe space event is usually all ages, and drug/alcohol free, I understand often art shows have bars or wine, but it’s important to remind the people in attendance to be respectful, and to list on the event whether it will be alcohol free or not.
Listing on the event if there will be food, and if any of it is vegan/non-dairy/nut-free/gluten free etc.
Many events like book fairs or talks offer first come first serve bus tickets for people in need to get home safely.
And making sure the people attending the even understand that certain behaviours will not be tolerated and if people break the guidelines they could potentially be removed from the event.
The final installation in the FARR
Mid-residency installation photo
glitch in the system zine, available on heathrr.ca in pdf/audio and in the FARR in print.
