Introduction

At Silent Cinema Galway, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of background, feels valued, respected, and able to fully participate. Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) is reflected in our actions, policies, and practices. We believe that embracing diversity enriches our community, enhances creativity, and provides opportunities for all to engage with our offerings.

What is EDI?
EDI stands for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion. As a discipline, EDI is about recognising and embracing the differences that exist within any given setting and providing the necessary support, so everyone feels included and able to thrive personally and professionally within that environment.

Equality: the act of ensuring that processes and programs are impartial, fair and provide equal possible outcomes for every individual.

Diversity: refers to the presence of differences within a given setting; in the workplace,
that may mean differences in race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, and socioeconomic background.

We are committed to ensuring that differences are recognised, respected, and valued, evidenced in part by championing representation of diverse lived experiences, on and off screen.

Inclusion: the practice to ensure people (audiences, filmmakers, event contributors, staff and volunteers and the wider community) feel a sense of belonging at work. This policy expresses Silent Cinema Galway’s commitment not to discriminate on the grounds of the nine characteristics outlined below.

Ireland’s equality laws outlaw discrimination on nine characteristics:
1. Gender
2. Civil status
3. Family status
4. Sexual orientation
5. Disability
6. Religion
7. Age
8. Race
9. Membership of the Traveller community.

All these grounds are protected from discrimination in employment and in access to
good services and facilities. Read more: Employment Equality Act, 1998.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to outline our dedication to creating a space that is free from discrimination and promotes the principles of equality, diversity, and inclusion.

We strive to ensure that all individuals, whether staff, volunteers, performers, or audience members, are treated fairly and have equal access to opportunities at Silent Cinema Galway.

Equality of Opportunity

Silent Cinema Galway is committed to providing equal opportunities to all, regardless of race, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, religion, cultural background, or any other characteristic.

We aim to eliminate barriers that may prevent individuals from participating in our events, activities, or employment opportunities.

Diversity and Representation
We value the diverse perspectives that a varied audience brings and strive to reflect this diversity in the content we showcase, the artists we collaborate with, and the community we serve. Our programming will be designed to represent a wide range of voices, backgrounds, and experiences.

Inclusive Environment
Silent Cinema Galway is dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all people. We will not tolerate any form of harassment, discrimination, or exclusion based on any protected characteristic. Our staff and volunteers will receive ongoing training to ensure that they are equipped to address any challenges related to diversity and inclusion, and to support an environment of respect and understanding.

Implementation and Accountability
To ensure the effective implementation of this policy, we will regularly review our practices and policies to identify areas for improvement. Silent Cinema Galway will work with community groups, local partners, and experts in the field of diversity and inclusion to ensure that our efforts are both meaningful and impactful.

We will provide clear channels for feedback and encourage our audiences and staff to report any concerns related to discrimination, harassment, or exclusion. All complaints will be taken seriously and addressed in a timely and respectful manner.

Conclusion
Silent Cinema Galway is committed to promoting and upholding the values of equality,
diversity, and inclusion in everything we do. By embracing diversity, we create a more vibrant, creative, and welcoming environment that benefits our entire community. We are proud to support and promote a culture of respect, fairness, and equal opportunity for all.

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This policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness.

Last update: 25th of November 2024

Adam Scheffler

Aleksandra Scheffler

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