Code of Conduct


INTRODUCTION

Arteles Creative Center is an independent, international residency program for artists, creatives, and researchers situated in the Finnish countryside. It functions as a place for creative growth, exploration, experimentation, and focused work — while also offering space for reflection, meditation, coexistence, and cross-cultural dialogue. We are committed to maintaining an inclusive, respectful, and safe environment for all residents, staff, collaborators, and guests. Mutual respect, autonomy, non-discrimination, and care for the shared space and one another are foundational principles of the residency.

Any form of undesirable behavior — such as sexual or other types of intimidation, aggression, bullying, exclusion, or discrimination—is not tolerated at Arteles. We aim to respond thoughtfully and appropriately to any concerns that arise, prioritizing a supportive and confidential approach. A peaceful, stress-free, and constructive residency environment is essential to the growth and well-being of each individual and the group as a whole.

Arteles fosters a holistic living and working atmosphere that balances personal independence and needs with communal respect. Creative individuals from different backgrounds and disciplines come here to immerse themselves in their creative process and practice, and this requires mutual understanding, openness, communication, and consideration. To ensure a safe and enjoyable living and working environment, a transparent and respectful approach to communication is essential — between the residents, staff, and visitors.


GENERAL PRINCIPLES

Arteles takes responsibility for maintaining a positive and safe environment where everyone — residents, staff, and visitors — can move forward on their unique creative journey. All residents and guests are expected to treat others with respect, regardless of origin, belief, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, or position within the residency.

Honesty, openness, mindfulness, awareness, and respect are guiding values at Arteles. We believe that understanding the nature of every individual's unique experience and path — as well as the diversity of voices, perspectives, and practices — is what enriches the experience here. Therefore, any form of undesirable behavior — whether verbal, physical, or systemic — will be addressed directly.

Residents are expected to contribute to a culture of mutual care. This includes taking responsibility not only for their own actions but also for helping to maintain a respectful and supportive group atmosphere. If concerns arise, residents are encouraged to address them directly with the person involved — if they feel safe and comfortable doing so — or to bring the matter to the attention of the staff at an early stage, so that appropriate actions can be taken to prevent escalation.


ADAPTABILITY AND CASE-BY-CASE APPROACH

While Arteles provides guidelines for respectful coexistence, we also understand that each individual brings different needs and circumstances. We approach issues with a case-by-case mindset and value open, solution-oriented dialogue.
Trust, openness, and mutual understanding form the basis of living and working together at Arteles.


SCOPE

This Code of Conduct applies to:

• All residents participating in the Arteles Creative Center residency programs
• Staff and collaborators working at or with Arteles
• Visiting guests

• Discrimination: insulting, excluding, or harming someone based on religion, race, gender, sexual orientation, age, nationality, disability, or any other identity.
• Sexual harassment: any verbal, non-verbal, or physical behavior of a sexual nature that compromises the dignity or well-being of another person.
• Intimidation: behavior intended to pressure, threaten, or unsettle another person.
• Aggression/Violence: verbal or physical acts of hostility or threat.
• Bullying: repeated, targeted behavior that seeks to harm or marginalize another person.
• Damage: deliberate or negligent damage to Arteles property or the belongings of others, as well as theft.
• Irresponsible or disruptive use of alcohol or other substances
• Boundary violation: Using other person’s property or entering private or staff spaces without permission.

• Creating a hostile or unpleasant environment
• Repeatedly ignoring boundaries
• Verbal remarks that stereotype or demean others
• Non-verbal cues or actions that intimidate or isolate

• Communicating expectations to residents before and during the program
• Addressing concerns early and informally when possible
• Encouraging residents to speak up, support each other, and seek staff assistance if needed
• Providing space for anonymous or confidential feedback

• Providing information about the Complaints Procedure and the resulting consequences
• ssisting with submitting a complaint (see Complaints procedure), if that is the desired and appropriate course of action
• Where a formal complaint is not the desired or appropriate response, efforts will be made to resolve the situation through more discreet or informal means
• Reporting the status and nature of reported behavior to the Director.

• Listening to all parties involved
• Attempting mediation or informal resolution when appropriate
• Taking action if it is proven that disrespectful or harmful actions or violations have taken place
• Further action may include temporary removal from group activities or, in more serious cases, early termination of the residency
• If the behavior violates the Terms & Conditions or Code of Conduct, a formal warning may be issued.
• If violations happen after a formal warning, this leads automatically to early termination of the residency.

• Respect house rules, quiet hours, shared facilities, and private space
• Practice clear, respectful communication
• Care for communal resources (kitchen, studio, meditation hall, library, sauna, cars etc.)
• Celebrate difference while maintaining personal boundaries
• Address conflict with empathy or with staff support when needed