Counterflows

AC Projects is committed to creating a professional environment where Fair Work is at the heart of everything we do. We will ensure that we are an organisation whose core team, commissioned artists, freelance producers and collaborators feel heard, valued, and have the opportunity to develop alongside the organisation.

From the inception of AC Projects, we have believed that better conditions and pay should be in place across all areas of delivering the arts and we have worked towards this believing that this should not just apply to artists but across the board for all workers in the sector.

AC Projects’ Fair Work statement has been written in accordance to the Scottish Government’s Fair Work First Guidance.

Effective Voice

We operated an open dialogue approach with anybody that works with and within the organisation. We believe in a non-hierarchical structure, encouraging openness, transparency, dialogue and tolerance of different opinions. Projects are led by specific and appropriate people. The Director is responsible for final decisions about important areas of our work, however all matters concerning the organisation are discussed and the integrity of team members is respected throughout.

Channels for effective voice AC Projects has in place:

Complaints procedure policy
Whistle blower policy
Fair, safe and inclusive recruitment
Equalities Policy (EDI Action Plan is under development)
Safeguarding Policy and Procedures
Steering Group

We have a number of formal and informal structures in place to support our workforce:

Training
Regular team and programme meetings
Regular 1-1 meetings
Annual reviews
Annual away day
Quarterly Steering Group meetings
Bi-annual General Assembly meetings
Additional support meetings for staff / artists whenever necessary
The policy and procedure documents give clarity to routes for any concerns our team, or others, might have. The Steering Group offers support to our team and are available to staff for consultation or to raise any concerns. They advise the Director about all matters concerning the organisation, overseeing governance.

Respect and Equality

AC Projects, through our organisation and programmes, aims to help create a more equitable, inclusive and cohesive society addressing challenges experienced by specific groups and individuals in gaining access to work as an artist or work within an arts organisation. We aim to achieve this by considering and challenging attitudes, behaviours, policies and practices within and out with our organisation to promote equal opportunities.

Through our festivals, residencies and other programmes such as Music Space we create opportunities specifically aimed at a more diverse and inclusive workforce, programme and audience aiming to create an equitable and inclusive culture for our work in which everyone feels valued regardless of age, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, education, ability, or socio-economic status, also considering specific issues such as carer responsibilities.

Fees and Contracting

All freelancers and commissioned/performing artists are contracted. We adhere to Musicians Union rates of pay. We offer flexible and family friendly working practices. Freelance staff agreements are negotiated with each member of the team to enable them to contribute to their own contract and to ensure everything is clear and understood. All staff, and those who contribute to our programme, are paid above the Real Living Wage, with Artist fees set at the Musician’s Union and other appropriate bodies rates.

Opportunity

We will foster a commitment to ourselves and each other to continue learning, and advancing our individual and organisational dedication to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging., creating an equitable and inclusive culture for our work in which everyone feels valued—regardless of age, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, education, ability, or socio-economic status; and that they belong.

We will ensure that the team across the organization have appropriate opportunity for training and professional development and also embrace new ideas for the sustainability of the organization and everyone’s professional career.

Fulfillment

AC Projects respects all that contribute to the aims and goals of the organization. We encourage leadership and personal career development and offer opportunities for staff to take the lead on appropriate projects and aspects of the organisation’s programme.

Nurturing employee wellbeing is positive for the individuals that are part of AC Projects as well as for the organisation. Nurturing wellbeing promotes a positive and supportive work environment and can help reduce stress, creating an environment in which both individuals and the organisation’s creativity and innovation thrive.

Security

We will secure a working space, either a co-working space or private office for the team in Glasgow depending on the agreed needs of the team, balancing home working, enabling team building, collaborative working and development of ideas.

Creating a more resilient organisation that reflects the diverse audiences and artists that take part in our work is key to sustain AC Projects commitment to creating engaging, challenging, diverse and innovative arts opportunities in Scotland and further afield.