Safer Spaces Network is a group of artists based in Victoria, Australia.

After a colleague shared their story of sexual assault, by a teacher we all knew and trained under, we began a long process of guilt, fear, anger and self-reflection.

Then came COVID-19 and a series of long lockdowns, which were experienced by Victorians and artists on the other side of the world who also worked with this same teacher. This moment in history allowed us to connect via Zoom and open up a very painful discussion. It turned out there were more victim/survivors, and the stories kept coming…

Our short-term aim is to reveal the challenging issues that artists experience. We hope that sharing individual stories will provide support, generate much-needed conversations, and raise awareness. We hope that by reading these stories, those who have experienced or have witnessed sexual assault, harassment and bullying in the arts sector will feel acknowledged and know that they are not alone. Perhaps they may feel they can share their story too.

In the long term we hope to advocate for positive systemic change in organisations big and small.