The Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity is the latest cultural institution to issue a statement about its policy against sexual harassment and misconduct. In response to a query from Q&Q, the Alberta learning centre sent the following:

As Canada’s home for arts training, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity is committed to provide a safe working, learning, and artistic environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity; one that is harassment-free.

Through our arts and leadership training programs, Banff Centre is proud to provide a safe space for critical conversations on the issues and themes of the day. Banff Centre makes every attempt to ensure that no participant, employee, or guest is discriminated against on any grounds.

All participants, employees, faculty, members of the Board of Governors, and persons attending Banff Centre are expected to maintain an appropriate standard of conduct, as outlined by both our Anti-Harrassment Policy and Participant Code of Conduct. All employees attend mandatory Anti-Harassment Sessions as part of our annual training to educate employees on Banff Centre’s commitment to respect the rights and safety of all members of our community. We are committed to diversity, inclusion, and providing a safe environment.

On Jan 5, Canada Council for the Arts released a statement that it’s reviewing its granting policies “to ensure that there are adequate provisions which allow us to fairly and more effectively address situations which involve artists or organizations receiving Canada Council funding.”