Introduction

At Colchester Fringe we are committed to promoting an environment that is inclusive, welcoming, and respectful to all participants, staff, volunteers, and audiences. We believe that the arts should be a platform for everyone, regardless of their background, identity or experience. We strive to foster a space where equality, diversity, and inclusivity are central to every aspect of our festival.

​

Our Commitment to Equality

We are dedicated to ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, age, or any other characteristic, have equal access to opportunities within the festival. We are committed to:

​

• Eliminating discrimination, harassment, and inequality in all forms.

• Promoting fairness and accessibility across all areas of the festival, including programming, volunteering, and audience engagement.

• Ensuring that everyone involved in the festival feels respected, valued, and empowered. 

​

Promoting Diversity

We recognise that diversity encompasses a wide range of experiences, identities, and perspectives. We are committed to:

​

• Celebrating the diversity of artists, performers, and creators involved in the festival.

• Ensuring that programming reflects a broad spectrum of voices, stories, and cultural perspectives.

• Actively seeking out and supporting underrepresented groups within the arts and creative sectors.

• Fostering an environment where cultural differences are not only acknowledged but celebrated.

​

Ensuring Inclusivity

Inclusivity is at the heart of our festival. We strive to make the festival accessible to all participants and audiences. This includes:

​

• Providing reasonable adjustments for people with disabilities to ensure equal participation.

• Ensuring that the festival's venues (where possible), materials, and online platforms are accessible to people of all abilities.

• Offering programming and events that are welcoming to diverse audiences, including those from marginalised or underrepresented communities.

​

Anti-Discrimination

We have a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of discrimination, harassment, or abuse. This includes but is not limited to:

​

• Discrimination based on race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, religion, age, or socio-economic status.

• Harassment or bullying of any kind, including verbal, physical, or online.

• Any form of exclusionary behaviour that undermines the values of equality, diversity, and respect.

 

Any instances of discrimination or harassment will be taken seriously and addressed promptly. We encourage all festival participants to report incidents of discrimination to the festival Director in the first instance, the Safeguarding Team will provide support and take action to resolve any issues that arise.

​

Representation and Opportunities

We believe in providing equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of background or identity. We will actively:​

​

• Promote diversity in programming and seek to include works from a wide range of cultural, social, and artistic backgrounds.

• Support and mentor emerging artists, especially those from underrepresented groups, to ensure a balanced representation of voices and experiences.

• Ensure that festival staff and volunteers reflect the diversity of our community.

​

Monitoring and Review

We are committed to continuous improvement and will regularly assess the effectiveness of this policy and its implementation. This includes:

​

• Gathering feedback from festival participants, staff, and audiences on their experiences of equality, diversity, and inclusivity.

• Reviewing our programming, staffing, and outreach efforts to ensure they align with our values.

• Educating our team on unconscious bias, accessibility requirements, and best practices for creating inclusive spaces.

• Taking appropriate action to address any areas for improvement.

​

Conclusion

Colchester Fringe is dedicated to creating an equitable, diverse, and inclusive festival experience. We believe that by embracing differences and creating opportunities for everyone, we can contribute to a more vibrant and innovative arts community. 

​

Date: 10 January 2025

​​​​