Network Affirmations

ACA is a values-based network. Everything we do—including the expectations we hold for our member programs—is guided by the following values:

• We center artists.
• We believe power lies in the people.
• We respect and celebrate differences and commonalities.
• We thrive on inquiry and thoughtful debate.
• We are unequivocal in our stance on fair and just treatment for all.
  We acknowledge privilege and historic inequities and work vigorously for broad access to resources, properties, information, and opportunities.
• We believe that experimentation yields transformation.
• We share reciprocity with the earth, attending to the impact of our actions on it and all that it contains.
  We listen, learn, and share; we follow and lead.

These values show up in how we operate as a network—and in what we ask of our members. For residency programs, membership in ACA means upholding the following affirmations:

• The residency program has a clear understanding of the cost of hosting an artist-in-residence, and that cost is at least partially subsidized for the artist (e.g., the artist is not simply paying “rent” for their time in residency).
• The residency program is transparent about what is being offered at each stage of the application and acceptance process. Artists have access to clear information on the nature and condition of facilities; accessibility of site/program; expectations of artists while in residence; and any compensation or financial support.
• The residency program provides a designated staff contact to assist and support artist while in residence.
• The residency program provides conditions for artists to feel welcomed and cared for while in residence. They can expect clean and comfortable accommodations, and to have basic needs met.
• The residency program organizes a thoughtful and well-planned orientation to the facilities, as well as to the neighboring communities in which the artist will reside during their stay.  

Alignment with these affirmations is a condition of membership in the ACA Network. We recognize that not every program will meet every expectation perfectly, or all at once. What we ask of our Members is a genuine commitment to these values and a willingness to continue working toward them. By joining ACA, member organizations agree to abide by ACA's rules of engagement. Reports of harm at member organizations will warrant an assessment of membership status, and failure to abide by these expectations may result in revocation of membership and/or use of ACA's website.