Responsibilities & Expectations

studios

Studio Responsibilities & Expectations of Artists

R-Zone

The R-zone Policy, R-2008-21, approved by the City Council in May 2008, promotes a positive, safe, enjoyable and supportive environment for all users and staff in City programs and facilities. The R stands for Respect and Responsibility, respect for yourself and others and responsibility for your actions. The policy outlines the measures and enforcement steps to be taken by staff, volunteers and users in order to address inappropriate behaviour or violence in Recreation & Culture programs, City-owned or leased facilities and properties.

The City of Niagara Falls is committed to ensuring the safety of users and staff in its programs, facilities or properties, fostering an environment where there is Respect for others, and Responsibility for all actions. The City will exercise no tolerance to any form of violence, vandalism or inappropriate behaviour in its programs, facilities or properties. For more information, please refer to the City’s website, www.niagarafalls.ca

Loss of pass

Should a member lose their pass, there will be a cost associated with a replacement pass. Lost passes must be reported immediately as there are security issues with passes going missing.

Conduct

  • If you are the last person to leave, you must make sure the door is securely locked. Also, if you are alone at the studio, it is always advised to have the door closed and locked to ensure your safety
  • Turn off the Lights-if you are the last to leave, make sure the lights are off
  • Keep the community space clean
  • Respect your fellow members and their privacy (including photography and videotaping)
  • Users of the space are subject to the City of Niagara Falls Anti-Harassment Policies

Rules

  • No pets
  • No alcoholic beverages in the Studios
  • No smoking and vaping on City property
  • No turpentine, epoxies, aerosols or other hazardous materials in areas other than the designated spray/fume room. Odorless turpentine is allowed in the studio spaces.
  • All hazardous materials must be stored in either a personal secure container or one in the common spaces.
  • No dumping of hazardous materials down the drain. Use the appropriate disposal methods for all items.
  • Be safe users. All Artists are expected to follow safe work practices, comply with legislative safety requirements and take an active role in protecting the health and safety of others.
  • Artists must familiarize themselves with safe studio usage, including reading WHMIS information relating to chemicals they use in the Studio
  • All Artists who use the woodshop must follow all rules associated with the use of the woodshop
  • Have fun

Renewal

Studio Memberships can be renewed on an annual basis. Priority may be given to new applicants.

The process is subject to a review of the following criteria:

  • Evaluation of Value Exchange
  • Studio comportment and conduct 

Ending Tenancy

To better serve waiting artists, the city requests a minimum of two months' notice if you wish to leave at the completion of your Studio rental term.

CONFLICT RESOLUTION

What happens if there is a conflict at the Exchange studios?

What are the steps to resolve an issue? Anyone asked to stop unacceptable behaviour is expected to comply immediately. We are committed to a robust conflict resolution process in order to foster safe spaces for our Artists:

DIY: If comfortable doing so, we strongly encourage the parties involved to speak to one another directly - where safe and appropriate - as we have found that issues can often be resolved. If this approach is not possible, any issues or concerns can be escalated in the following ways:

A formal complaint: Outlined in the anti-harassment policy and other city policies, a formal complaint is investigated and directly engages both the complainant and the complainee. It is a matter of record and often involves external consultants and mediators.

Mediation: This facilitated type of conflict resolution involves an objective third party. If mediation is deemed to be the appropriate process, a discussion occurs with someone from our staff in conjunction with the affected parties to select an appropriate mediator. Mediation may take the form of a healing circle, a transformative justice process, a reconciliatory meeting(s), a facilitated conversation, etc. Mediation may result in removal from the space, permanent ban or further actions at the discretion of the Mediator.

ROLE OF CITY EMPLOYEES

The City team will work with you to communicate events happening on-site, assist with studio events, and answer questions on membership and agreements. City staff will be onsite and at the Museum to assist you. Designated staff will also be working with the Membership Selection Committee and in other roles that can make this a safe, inclusive, and exciting place to be.

COMPLIANCE WITH THE CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS POLICY

All users are subject to the City of Niagara Falls policies in regard to Anti-Harassment, accessibility and other relevant policies.