Providing a space of safety, support, and care to hold conversation is at the core of EAF’s programming. To do this, we have adopted five Safer, Braver Learning Space Principles from Education Scotland’s Building Racial Literacy programme.
These principles include the protection, affirmation, and centring of people often marginalised by overlapping systems of power. We share them with you as a framework for collective responsibility and mutual respect throughout our events and when visiting our exhibitions.
We invite anyone to honour these five principles, both at EAF events, but also as part of a wider framework. Through these, we aim to maintain safer spaces, but also to nurture a braver, more just environment for dialogue and connection.
Acknowledge Emotions
Conversations about identity and injustice can be emotional. For Black and people of colour, trans, queer and disabled people this distress is often linked to trauma, as well as other forms of social and structural harm. What’s mildly uncomfortable for some might be distressing for others — especially for people who have lived experience of oppression. Honour your feelings and those of others with empathy and care.
Embrace Productive Discomfort
Challenging conversations may bring discomfort — especially for those exploring their own privilege. This space invites you to stay present and curious. Growth happens outside our comfort zones, this is a space to lean in, not shut down.
If you are a person who faces marginalisation, your safety is a priority. If at any point you require support at our events, please approach any EAF staff member. We are here for you during and after the event, including with follow-up care if needed.
Commit to Self-Care
If discomfort tips into distress, it’s okay to step back. Our goal is a space for learning and sharing, not harm, and your well-being is vital. Breaks and support are available—please use them. EAF staff are here to support you.
Capacity for Growth
We are all learners — learning with, from, and for one another. Anti-racism, disability justice, queer and trans liberation, and class equity are ongoing practices, not fixed endpoints. Practice humility, accountability, and kindness as we grow together.
Build Relationships
Transformative change happens by building relationships to collaborate, learn and support one another. As we challenge oppressive systems, we must also commit to uplifting each other. Solidarity across differences strengthens our shared movement toward justice.
By remaining in any of our events or exhibitions, you consent to uphold these Safer, Braver Learning Space Principles.
Thank you for helping us co-create spaces of care, courage and collective learning.
Read more about the Building Racial Literacy programme by Education Scotland.
These five principles are adapted from Mélina Valdelièvre’s Framework for Mutual and Productive Communication about Race in Education (PDF).