Core Values of the Klangtherapie

In the Spielregeln ("playing rules") of the festival, we have established its core values. The Klangtherapie stands for diversity, respectful interaction, and a constructive approach to dealing with mistakes. We do not tolerate any form of racism, antisemitism, sexism, queerphobia, transphobia, ableism, ageism, classism, (sexualized) violence, or other forms of discrimination and abusive behavior!

Right to Define and Partisanship

We center people who are being affected by discrimination and (sexualised) violence to offer support and follow a critical approach towads power structures. We regard this as essential to breaking the cycle of powerlessness by fostering a sense of agency. This includes the principles of the right to define of and the partisanship with those affected. These principles are rooted in the liberation struggles of Black feminism and the lesbian and gay movements. 'Awarenes' concepts emerged as counter-narratives to the privatisation of (domestic) violence and within a legal framework that offered – and continues to offer – no protection against defamation lawsuits. This clearly shapes them as power-critical and also anti-fascist. Our approach is based on decades of practice and experience within the community.

Consensus

Consensus is FRIES:

Freely given: without pressure, coercion, manipulation, or under the influence of mind-altering substances
Reversible: once an action has been agreed to, it is possible at any time to change one’s mind and withdraw prior consent
Informed: decisions are based on complete and honest information
Enthusiastic: only "omg YES!" means yes! the absence of refusal is not sufficient (no means no)
Specific: consent applies to a specific action, not automatically to multiple “implied” actions

Support work centered on those affected operates on a consensus basis. Decisions that affect them are not made over their heads. Instead, the person affected is involved in

Transformative Justice

For collective ongoing learning, we as a festival community hope to have the opportunity to initiate and help shape transformative processes.

Conditions

Without the active participation of the person who caused the violence, transformative processes are not effective.

Who's job?

Transformative processes are typically long-term and resource-intensive endeavors lasting 1–3 years. This is not possible during the festival. Even outside of the festival, the Awareness Working Group unfortunately cannot take on additional tasks of this magnitude. In such cases, other groups must be formed. The Awareness Working Group is happy to support the supporters with information whenever possible.

For the Community

Practice Group

Currently on hold: In 2023, the AK Awareness launched a reading circle—a loose group of interested individuals from the Klangtherapie community—for biweekly online meetings featuring rotating presentations and skill-sharing sessions on topics such as collective organization, discrimination, and systems of power.

Training for Crew + Organizers

Outside of the festival season, we aim to hold one training workshop per year. Members of the organisation team and other crew members—preferably those in leadership roles—are invited to attend. So far: 2023 Code of Conduct, 2024 Anti-Racism, 2025 Intervision and 'Awareness' Concept

Why 'Awareness'?

Discrimination, (sexualized) violence, and other boundary-violating behaviors are part of everyday life in society. We can’t simply leave them at the door.

Goals

EVERYONE should be able to feel comfortable and safe. EVERYONE should have the freedom to be who they are without putting themselves at risk. This won’t happen on its own.

This means

Reducing barriers and creating space for a diverse community.
Continue learning as a collective, adopting different perspectives, developing a critical approach to power, listening to one another with sensitivity, taking responsibility for violence that was performed, and participating in transformative processes.

This concept serves as

a guide for those implementing the concept
anchoring the values and attitudes of our structure
a basis for reflection for the entire structure
public positioning and information in the external section of the concept

Points of Contact

These points of contact are open to everyone. In particular, the 'Awareness' Team during the festival offers support not only to guests but also to everyone else: guests, artists, other performers, crew, contributors, service providers, event managers, residents etc.

Awareness Team

The Awareness Team offers support to people who have experienced discrimination or (sexualized) violence. It operates according to the principles of partiality and the right of affected individuals to define their own experiences.
The members of the Awareness Team are trained in 'Awareness' work and operate with strict confidentiality.

During the festival, the external 'Awareness' collective Dresden (AKO) provides professional support to the Awareness Team.

Internal Contact Point

This is a permanent contact point within the collective. It consists of members of the 'Awareness' Working Group, Personnel Working Group, and Helfioffice, as well as other individuals as needed. It operates according to the principles of partisanship and the right of affected individuals to define their own experiences.
Some members of the internal contact point are trained in awareness and operate with strict confidentiality.

External Contact Point

There is no external point of contact outside the festival. Where possible, the AK Awareness will attempt to find suitable contact persons (external if necessary). If this is not possible or sufficient, there is always the option to contact the 'Awareness Standards Network': https://awareness-standards.info/kontakt/

Contact

The Awareness Team is available at all times during the festival:

On the go: pink vests
Stationary: Awareness yurt at the Platz der Sinne
Phone: +49 176 52616997
Anonymously: Awareness mailbox at the advertising column

The internal contact point/'Awareness' working group is available by email year-round and, to some extent, during setup and takedown on the festival site:

Email: awareness@klangtherapie-festival.de
Phone: +49 176 52616997

Revision

The 'Awareness' working group reviews this concept annually and makes adjustments as needed. To this end, the working group maintains close communication with the core organizing team, other interested crew members, and external 'Awareness' acteurs.
Want to get involved? awareness@klangtherapie-festival.de

Visibility

This external concept is published on

this website
the advertising column directly past the festival entrance