Non-discrimination, equality and inclusion

Irish Music Society of Tampere is committed to promoting equality, non-discrimination and inclusion at the Irish Festival Tampere and all its other activities. We address people as equals and promote practices that lead to respectful encounters and interaction. We don’t tolerate any kind of discrimination or harassment based on, for example, gender, ethnicity, skin colour or sexual orientation, nor physical, verbal or sexual harassment. Everyone has the right to participate in our events and feel safe without fear of discrimination.

Prevention and dealing with inappropriate behaviour and harassment during festivals

At our festivals, we expect everyone to contribute to creating safer spaces by respecting others, behaving appropriately and taking others into consideration. Whether you’re a guest, staff member, artist or one of our partners, we ask that you respect our rules. Together we can create a safe, cosy and heartfelt experience for everyone.

However, if you see or experience behaviour directed at yourself, a friend or another festival guest or employee that feels inappropriate or distressing or violates the principles of equality and non-discrimination, please report it to the security or the festival staff immediately.

Harassment incidents can also be reported online (see link below). You can submit the form anonymously, or if you’d like us to contact you on the matter, include your details. All discussions are conducted confidentially and on your terms. We don’t save sender data or use it for any other purpose.

The form can be found here. We monitor the replies during the festival but cannot react to them in real time. If you need help quickly, contact security staff for assistance!

UN Guidelines for Safer Spaces

Respect everyone’s personal space, both physical and mental. Respect everyone’s right to self-determination. Make sure you ask before touching anyone. You cannot know where another person’s boundaries lie without asking them. If necessary, ask to have more space
Don’t mock, ridicule, disparage, sideline or humiliate anyone with your words, behaviour or actions. Don’t comment on another person’s appearance. Refrain from gossiping and promoting stereotypes.
Don’t make assumptions based on appearance or behaviour. Don’t make assumptions about anyone’s sexuality, gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion, values, socioeconomic background, health or functional ability.
Give space. Do your best to ensure that everyone gets to participate in discussions. Don’t disregard other people’s opinions; give others the chance to speak. Respect the privacy of others and treat sensitive topics respectfully.
Listen and learn. Embrace new things, people and perspectives open-mindedly. Approach every encounter as an opportunity to develop and learn something new.
Apologise if you have intentionally or unintentionally offended others.

Accessibility

Physical accessibility

Festival’s concert and session venues are largely accessible. For more information, visit the venue’s website and check their details.

Linguistic accessibility

We try to use clear and comprehensive language in all our communication. Website and programme information are available in Finnish and in English.

Economic accessibility

Thanks to many free-of-charge events, the festival welcomes everyone regardless of their income level. Assistants of people with disabilities can attend concerts free of charge or at a reduced price. For instructions on how to purchase free/discounted tickets, please visit the website of the venue in question.

Information accessibility

Irish Music Society of Tampere informs about its activities regularly in member bulletins and on its Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/tampereirish). Communication is transparent and open. We want to continue improving our accessibility.

If you’d like to give us feedback or suggestions for improvement, please send us a message at: info@irishfestival.fi