Fair Practice Coordination Office

(Working title)

At the «m2act x Burning Issues» networking event in Bern in September 2023, it became apparent that there are numerous initiatives and networks in Switzerland that are committed to making theatre operations less discriminatory, more gender-equitable, more diverse, more sustainable and more inclusive. They develop promising and forward-looking ideas and working methods in different constellations and contexts, focusing on different areas.

However, there is often a lack of exchange between the individual initiatives. There is a risk of duplication: committed individuals work on similar ideas and instruments at the same time and independently of each other. In addition, many people are involved in these initiatives on a voluntary basis, while they themselves are affected by discriminatory structures and operate from a precarious position. The emerging «Fair Practice Coordination Office» aims to remedy this situation by forming an open and decentralised network for all interested initiatives and actors in Switzerland who are committed to fair practice in the performing arts. This network supports the various stakeholders in coordinating their respective activities and topics. Synergies can be utilised, profiles refined and agreements made. Knowledge and best practices can be shared.

In this context, the question of a joint long-term strategy for the initiatives and how they can establish sustainable structures is becoming increasingly important. The Fair Practice Coordination Office creates space for reflection on future cooperation models among the initiatives.

A coordination exchange currently takes place every six months (once a year online and, if necessary, once in person) with a different host.