On the one-year anniversary of the creation of our Inclusive Logo we wanted to look back over the past year and highlight all the hard work that the Art4Space staff have done to make sure that the studio is an inclusive, supportive, respectful, welcoming, safe space for everyone. We felt so strongly about this aspect of social sustainability that we created the Inclusive Logo Mosaic to greet everyone who enters the Art4Space studio!
We create an inclusive environment where people of all cultural orientations, ages, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation can freely express who they are, voice their own opinions and share their points of view. We all can fully participate in teaching, learning, work and social activities and feel safe from abuse, harassment or unfair criticism.
The Inclusive design created by the Art4Space team runs across all our communication. The Inclusive Mosaic was wonderful project that involved staff members, volunteers and the community of Stockwell over a series of weekend workshops at the amazing, Art4space studio. We enjoyed homemade cake, discussed inclusivity, how to create a supportive and respectful environment, and welcoming safe space for everyone while we completed the colourful mosaic.
The supportive work environment at Art4Space offers numerous benefits for staff and those who come to the Art4Space studio. For the staff, it means going to work knowing that not only our performance, but our well-being is important. This supportive organisational culture directly impacts the people who access our services. We aim to validate the presence of individuals and actively encourage participation and involvement.
The Art4Space team fosters a culture of respect that encourages innovation and the sharing of ideas, to promote staff wellbeing and satisfaction. This approach allows us to create a ‘culture of respect’. This means everyone who walks through our doors can expect that the Art4Space team will be open to their needs, interests, and feelings. Acknowledging the individuals’ emotions, thoughts, experiences, values, and beliefs.
We embrace transparency and inclusion as core values. See diversity as a strength and value everyone, regardless of their role or identity. As a team we are curious and open to others’ experience and perspectives and question our assumptions before acting on them. Viewing all interactions as an opportunity for building understanding, and relationships in a welcoming, creative, safe space.