Inclusion, diversity, equity, and access (IDEA) Policy 

Introduction

anam creative is a grassroots arts organisation supporting emerging musicians and artists through collaborative projects and events. Our goal is to create a space where young creatives feel safe, heard, respected, and included.

We treat everyone we work with equitably—regardless of gender, socio-economic background, race, sex, sexual orientation, disability (visible or invisible), marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion, or belief.

We are committed to embedding IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access) principles in everything we do—from our vision and mission to daily practice—ensuring ongoing reflection and accountability. 

We understand the importance of learning and are committed to ongoing reflection and growth in all areas outlined in this policy. If you have any feedback or suggestions, we welcome your input—please contact us at anamcreativeprojects@gmail.com. 

Accessibility

We believe access should be built into all aspects of our work, not added later. Our approach includes:

  • Planning for Access: Access needs are considered at the start of each project, including options for digital and blended participation.

  • Accessible Environments: We aim to host all meetings, workshops, events, and exhibitions in wheelchair-accessible venues wherever possible. While some Glasgow venues have limited accessibility, we are committed to discussing individual access needs and doing our best to accommodate them.

  • Accessible Communication: For exhibitions, we provide text-only descriptions of artworks and prioritise clear, inclusive communication methods.

  • Access Budgets: Wherever possible, our projects include access funds for participants requiring additional support.

  • Co-Developing Solutions: We work with participants and our board to identify and address access challenges.

Diversity

anam creative is dedicated to representing the full range of voices in our communities. We aim to reach and work with creatives from underrepresented and marginalised groups, and ensure that our opportunities are genuinely open to all.

Our commitments include:

  • Targeted Outreach: We reach out to other organisations to share our opportunities with a wider and more diverse pool of artists.

  • Unbiased Selection: Our recruitment and commissioning processes are reviewed regularly and are based on the quality of applications alone.

  • Positive Action: Where needed, we implement strategies to increase applications from underrepresented groups.

  • Transparency and Accountability: We collect anonymous data to monitor our impact and guide strategic decisions.

Inclusion and Respect

Everyone involved in our projects—participants, partners, staff, and audiences—should feel respected, included, and safe.

  • We do not tolerate discriminatory, offensive, or inflammatory behaviour, including racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, or ableism.

  • These expectations are outlined in our Letters of Agreement, explained verbally at the start of each project, and reinforced throughout.

  • If this policy is breached, participants will be immediately removed from the project, with the opportunity extended to someone from our shortlist.

  • Youth Voice: Participants are given meaningful opportunities to shape programming, provide feedback, and influence how we work.

Dealing with Discrimination or Harassment

If a participant feels they have experienced discrimination or harassment, they are encouraged to raise this with a member of the core team. We are committed to:

  • Clear and Accessible Reporting: Options for reporting concerns are clearly communicated and regularly reviewed.

  • Impartial Investigation: Complaints will be investigated fairly. If the complaint involves a core team member, they will not be part of the process.

  • Support and Advocacy: Individuals who experience harm will be supported throughout the process and will not face victimisation for raising concerns.

  • Transparency and Accountability: If the complaint concerns the organisation as a whole, we will address it transparently and share how we plan to prevent recurrence.

Commitment to IDEA

Our IDEA commitments are not static—they will grow and evolve alongside our work. We are dedicated to:

  • Regular Update: We assess our working practices quarterly at board meetings to ensure progress.

  • Co-Creation: We involve the people we work with in shaping our policies and practices.

  • Sharing Progress Publicly: We commit to being transparent about our IDEA goals, successes, and the areas where we still need to grow.

  • Partnership Development: We will strengthen relationships with organisations specialising in IDEA to improve our own practices and broaden our reach.

Policy Review Schedule

  • Adopted: 1 June 2022

  • Last Reviewed: June 2025