Lead researcher Dr. Ciara L. Murphy introduces Speak Up: A Call For Change, the report commissioned by the Irish Theatre Institute and launched this month, documenting abuses of power in the Irish cultural sector and making recommendations for change - read it here.
The relationship between arts practice and research is not always a harmonious one. In many ways research and practice are viewed as two distinct and autonomous engagements. However, reports such as Speak Up: A Call for Change demonstrate the importance of gathering concrete information that can be used to influence and improve arts policy and practice.
It has become clear that it is simply impossible to improve a sector without first studying it. Recent movements within the Irish arts sector (such as #WakingtheFeminists, Sounding the Feminists, Grace Dyas's highlighting of abuses of power, Denise Chaila raising awareness of racism in Ireland’s music industry, and Martin Warde on Traveller representation, amongst many others) have demonstrated the importance of listening and recognizing a wide range of lived experiences. We also know that anecdotal evidence is not a sufficient enough base upon which to enact positive, progressive, and tangible change.
This is a strong foundation, and a necessary starting point from which to move forward.
Speak Up: A Call for Change presents the results of the Speak Up: ACTiON survey (February 2021), created by Irish Theatre Institute in consultation with Olwen Dawe, and which sought to ascertain the level and type of harmful behaviours occurring in Ireland’s arts sector. survey. This subsequent report (researched by myself, Dr Brenda Donohue, and Conall O’Duibhir, with support from Dr Peter Campbell and Olwen Dawe) finds that the harmful workplace experiences analysed in this study are not the exception, but rather, according to the data, are more likely to be an accepted norm in Ireland’s arts sector. It should not have taken this long for what has been hiding in plain sight to become clear.
The lack of accountability for perpetrating harmful behaviours has been outlined as a significant issue for those who experience and witness harm. For this reason, there needs to be clear consequences for perpetrating (or not responding sufficiently to the reporting of) harmful workplace behaviours.
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Listen: 70% of arts workers experience 'harmful behaviours' - Irish Theatre Institute Co-Director Jane Daly talks to RTÉ News
Institutions must to come up with imaginative ways to find accountability solutions, and I believe that policies informed by regular research are one pathway to achieving this aim.
It is easy to be overwhelmed by the negativity of this report, however Speak Up: A Call for Change also presents an opportunity. This is a strong foundation, and a necessary starting point from which to move forward. The structure of this research also presents an opportunity to centralise the voices of victims and survivors of harmful workplace behaviours. The report’s research methodology aimed to centre the respondent in its analysis and because of this approach, we have learned important truths about Ireland’s arts sector from those who shared their experiences.
53% of respondents witnessed a harmful experience and 51% experienced bullying.
— ITI (@IrishTheatreIns) October 26, 2021
Read the full SPEAK UP: A CALL FOR CHANGE Report ➡️https://t.co/HtRVBhkZi0
Please share widely 📨#SpeakUp #DignityAtWork #Arts #Culture @DeptCulturelRL @artscouncil_ie pic.twitter.com/WZcMTgmCTW
There needs to be regular analysis of the arts sector in Ireland to monitor progress in this area. Regular research should be commissioned, building on this work, to ensure that the voices of Ireland’s artists and arts workers continue to be heard and to ensure that organisations are adhering to current and incoming advice and policies on ensuring dignity at work.
It is time for a meaningful commitment to cultural change that centres informed action, accountability, and research as a means of moving forward and honouring those who shared their experiences in the hope of paving the road forward.
Dr. Ciara L. Murphy is lead researcher on the Speak Up: A Call For Change report, commissioned by the Irish Theatre Institute - the full report is now available online here.
