Visibility Drawing Group Community Agreements
 

Please read these community agreements carefully. If you do not honor these agreements, you may be asked to leave the event.

 

COVID-19 POLICY: Why we have this policy: Sars-COV-2 is airborne and over 50% of transmission is pre- or asymptomatic (Source: University of Chicago Medicine). Masks are the most effective and accessible tool we currently have to mitigate its spread. Did you know that trans people experience some of the highest rates of long covid? While we are all vulnerable to long term complications from covid, trans/BIPOC/disabled/other marginalized populations are disproportionately affected. This includes many figure models, who are independent contractors, often low income and un/underinsured, who often can't afford to get sick. As figure models ourselves, we strive to set an example for how models’ health should be treated that hopefully other groups will be inspired to follow. Models often face precarity and live at the intersections of multiple marginalized identities.

 

MASKING Artists are required to wear a KN95 or N95 (respirator) mask for the duration of the session. If you forget your mask, we will have masks available thanks to our local mask bloc. Please wear the mask properly at all times when indoors - a proper fit is worn over both nose and mouth, with nose-wire molded to fit your nose bridge, and no air leaks around the sides. If you need to eat or drink, or take it off for a minute, we ask that you step outside. If artists or models are having COVID symptoms, or have knowingly been exposed to COVID-19 please do not come to the drawing session. We will work with you to reschedule. If you were exposed to COVID, please follow the People’s CDC protocol of Exiting Isolation after Exposure and if you have tested positive for COVID, please follow the People’s CDC protocol for Exiting Isolation after Infection before attending your next drawing session.

Please email us if you test positive within 1 week after attending one of our events (unless you’re sure exposure happened afterwards) so we can help break the chain of transmission by notifying attendees. No shame, this is part of community care.

 

MOBILITY ACCESS: Colorspace Arts and Moonlight Press each have a wheelchair accessible restroom. We set up seating with access in mind; please be thoughtful about leaving adequate space around you when you set up.

 

PLEASE BE QUIET OUTSIDE THE VENUE We need to maintain a positive relationship with our neighbors in order to continue using the space. If you step outside during a break or are finishing a conversation after a session, please be mindful about your volume.

 

NO turpentine, oil paint, odorous solvents. Also please avoid wearing fragrances or scented products when attending this event. Although this is not a totally fragrance-free space, our goal is to make our events as fragrance-free as possible.

 

DO NOT use cell phones for any purpose in the drawing rooms while the models are posing/nude. Please leave the room to make your texts and phone calls or wait until models are on break/clothed. Be aware that facilitators may use phones to keep time in some cases.

 

NO PHOTOGRAPHY There will be no photography allowed at this event. If you would like to book a model for a photography job, ask them directly and arrange a different time. Be aware that industry standard photography rates are significantly higher hourly. It is ok to take photos of your own work (or other artists’ with their permission) during the breaks when the model is clothed.

 

DO NOT TOUCH OR ASSIST MODELS As facilitators it is our responsibility to assist  the model with setting up poses, heaters, lighting, props, furniture, etc.

 

CO-CREATING A RESPECTFUL AND INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT
Each of us shares a responsibility toward ourselves, others, the studio space, and the broader community. Ignorance does not justify harmful behavior, nor does it undo any damage caused. All participants — including artists, models, and organizers — are expected to be informed about best practices and treat one another with dignity and respect.

 

Key Principles:

Respect & Inclusivity: Discrimination or harassment based on race, gender, sexual        orientation, disability, or other characteristics will not be tolerated.

 

Safety & Support: Behavior that threatens others’ well-being, including verbal or            physical abuse, intimidation, or bullying, is prohibited.

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Consent & Boundaries: Personal space and boundaries must be respected.                    Unwelcome advances, touching, or invasive actions will not be tolerated. This space is for art and community building, not for cruising. Sexual or objectifying comments are not appropriate. Be aware of the energy of the space and to the best of your ability consider how your input affects others’ experiences.

 

Conflict Resolution: We encourage individuals to address interpersonal conflicts through respectful dialogue, and we strive to provide support and facilitate resolution when possible. However, certain conflicts may exceed our capacities, and in such cases, we will recommend seeking appropriate external support. We operate out of private venues, and reserve the right to restrict access when deemed necessary.

 

Reporting & Consequences: Reports of harmful behavior will be taken seriously and handled promptly and confidentially. Violations may lead to warnings, suspension from or loss of access to the group.

 

Respect People’s Identity: Use the name and pronouns listed on models’ name cards, which will be pinned up next to the stage, unless they directly tell you otherwise. The same rules of respect apply to other artists or anyone attending the session - go by nametags, if you do not know someone's pronouns, please ask, or just use the person's name, or describe them with neutral language (example: the person to your left with the purple shirt). It is important NOT to inquire about models' (or anyone’s) deadnames’ ‘legal names’ or other names they might use in different spaces. 

 

DO NOT ASSUME HOW MODELS RELATE TO THEIR BODIES/GENDERS:  We cannot know from looking at someone, or from their name or pronouns, how they identify or what words they use to describe their bodies. Default to gender neutral language when referencing body parts in the context of the artwork - for example, instead of “breasts” or “penis” you could say “chest” or “genitals”. 

 

THIS IS A BODY POSITIVE SPACE: which means that we see all bodies as deserving of the utmost amount of respect, consent and autonomy. Please refrain from any negative/judgmental/dehumanizing commentary directed at anyone's body while in the space, including your own.

 

If you have any questions or feedback about these agreements please email us at visibility.drawing@gmail.com. We are a work in progress and are still learning and growing as facilitators as we receive and integrate feedback. It’s important to us to clearly communicate the expectations of the space and address any issues that arise as quickly and effectively as possible so everyone can understand best practices and act with integrity.