<aside> 💡 This text lays out the ethics, values, and commitments that underpin the work of our community. It is a live, evolving document, and will be updated regularly, with all in the community having an opportunity to contribute.

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We value dance in all its forms and recognise its transformative impact on individuals and communities. We offer a home for artists in our community, both in our imperfect East London building and beyond, prioritising those who lack support elsewhere.

We reject traditional ideas of quality in artmaking, embracing all performance disciplines and styles. We advocate for positive change in our work, communities, and the arts sector

The CDS Artist Community works in ways that are respectful, transparent, ethical, anti-racist, environmentally-conscious, and non-discriminatory. We explore positive change through the lens of the following ideas: collectivity, autonomy, process, generosity, equity, accountability, and accessibility.

Collectivity:

• We believe everyone in our community should have a say in decision-making.
• We transform decision making structures to redistribute power and support artists from all backgrounds to contribute.
• We see connection as a valuable resource and create opportunities for peer-to-peer learning

Autonomy:

• We empower artists to identify their own needs and access resources with minimal gatekeeping.
• We allow leadership to pass between different people at different times, and we support others in their plans.
• We develop processes that reduce artists’ labour and competition.

Process:

• We value process over product and embrace experimentation.
• We create space for DIY, messy, non-traditional and uncategorisable practices.
• We understand there is no single right answer and embrace learning through mistakes.

Generosity:

• We treat each other with respect, kindness, and care.