Behaviour and respect while participating in Varuna’s programs

It is essential that Varuna provides an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding, creating a safe and professional environment for all. While Varuna has always generated a warm and dynamic environment for social connection, it is important to remember that it is also a workplace, and that writers, staff and volunteers are entitled to collegiate and considered behaviour at all times.

Writers participating in Varuna programs must not discriminate against, harass or bully other writers in residence, participants or staff, and are expected to encourage a culture that is free from such treatment.

Writers also need to be aware of, and refrain from, behaviour that others might reasonably find uncomfortable. This could include sharing explicit or graphic work without warning, or pressuring fellow writers to discuss topics they do not wish to explore. If uncomfortable with the tone or content of a conversation during a Varuna program, writers should feel able to ask that their fellow residents or participants to ‘move this conversation along’, and this request should be respected without question.

If you are not sure about what is appropriate, or you feel a fellow writer has breached this culture of respect, we encourage you to contact Varuna executive staff.

Hate speech

All writers in residence and online program participants are free to share their political views publicly and will not have their opportunities impacted by those views. 

However, Varuna does not tolerate hate speech: the vilification, humiliation, or incitement of hatred against a class of person based on class, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, national origin, race, religion, sexual identity or skin colour.

If an individual currently enrolled in a program at Varuna engages in hate speech, whether on Varuna platforms during a program or outside of this time on public platforms, Varuna reserves the right to terminate or cancel their fellowship, residency or online program registration.  

Confidentiality

All writers in residence are expected to respect the confidentiality of what people share in conversations at Varuna, and should not share any images or commentary on what is shared without the express permission of the other writers involved. In particular, writers are expected to respect the intellectual property of any work, or ideas for work, that is shared.

If you have any questions about this Code of Conduct or would like to discuss it further, feel free to get in touch by emailing varuna@varuna.com.au