As a sector we have been saddened and horrified by the number of #metoo experiences shared by friends and colleagues over the past week. We want to be clear to all staff and artists working in the cultural sector in Manchester that we will not tolerate harassment or abuse in any of our venues or organisations. We want to assure all women that if they have experienced abuse or harassment, of any kind, they will be listened to, taken seriously and appropriate action will be taken.

We ask that all our colleagues familiarise themselves with the dignity at work and whistleblowing polices of organisations you work with and in. If you do not feel comfortable reporting inappropriate behaviour through the routes  outlined in these policies, there is help available.

ACAS http://www.acas.org.uk provides impartial and confidential advice for employers and employees.

There are also sector-specific organisations who can help.

a-n The Artists Information Company – for visual artists www.a-n.co.uk  

BECTU – for technical staff www.bectu.org.uk 

Equity – for actors, singers and dancers www.equity.org.uk 

Musicians’ Union – for musicians www.musiciansunion.org.uk

Independent Theatre Council – for theatre practitioners www.itc-arts.org 

Writers’ Guild – for writers www.writersguild.org.uk

Museums Association – for museum professionals www.museumsassociation.org

While the #metoo response has been about sexual abuse and harassment of women, we would like to take this opportunity to state that abuse, harassment, bullying or discrimination, of any kind, will not be tolerated in any of our venues or organisations.

We stand together against harassment, discrimination and abuse

Signed

Amanda Sutton, Venture Arts

Amanda Wallace, Manchester Art Gallery

Dave Moutrey, HOME

Bryony Bell, The Stoller Hall

Janine Waters, The Edge

John McGrath, Manchester International Festival

John Summers, Andy Ryans, The Halle

Julia Davis, Commonword/Cultureword

Karen Shannon, Manchester Histories

Kasper de Graaf, Design Manchester

Linda Merrick, RNCM

Liz O’Neill, Z-arts

Mark Dobson, Sarah Frankcom Royal Exchange

Matt Fenton, Contact

Nicholas Merman, Manchester Museum, the Whitworth

Rachael Turner, MadLab

Renny O’Shea, Richard Gregory, Quarantine

Sheena Wrigley – HOME

Steve Mead, EJ Trivett, Manchester Jazz Festival

Sue McLoughlin, Chethams Library

Zoe Dunbar, Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art