Newmarket Group Of Artist - Code Of Conduct
1. Purpose
The Newmarket Group of Artists (NGA) is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and professional environment that supports creativity, collaboration, and community engagement in the arts. We are equally dedicated to maintaining a community that upholds human rights, dignity, and equality of opportunity, and is free from any form of harassment, intimidation, or disrespect. This Code of Conduct outlines the standards of behavior expected from all artist members, volunteers, event participants, and community members who engage with the NGA. It serves as a guide to ensure that all interactions within the organization and with the public reflect our shared values of respect, professionalism, and integrity.
2. Core Values
The NGA is guided by the following core values, which express our collective commitment to creativity, respect, and community: • Respect: Treat all individuals with courtesy, kindness, and dignity, recognizing the inherent value of every person and their creative voice.
3. Expectations for Artist Members
Artist members represent the NGA within the arts community and the public. All members are expected to uphold the following standards of conduct and professionalism in their artistic practice and community engagement.
3.1 Professional Conduct
4. Expectations for Community Members and Event Attendees
Community members, visitors, and event participants play an important role in supporting and celebrating the arts through their engagement with the NGA. To ensure that all NGA events, exhibitions, and programs remain positive, inclusive, and respectful spaces, the following expectations apply to all who participate.
4.1 Respectful Interaction
5. Social Media and Public Communication
The NGA recognizes that social media and public communication are powerful tools for promoting creativity, collaboration, and community engagement. All members, volunteers, and community participants are expected to use these platforms responsibly and respectfully to uphold the integrity and reputation of the NGA and its members.
5.1 Respectful Online Conduct
6. Reporting and Accountability
The NGA is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all members and community participants. Concerns or complaints about conduct are taken seriously and handled with integrity and confidentiality.
Participation in the NGA community - whether as an artist member, volunteer, or event participant - requires a shared commitment to respect, professionalism, and integrity. All members and participants are expected to:
Participation in any NGA program, exhibition, or event signifies agreement to uphold these standards and to support a creative community built on respect, accountability, and shared artistic purpose.
The Newmarket Group of Artists (NGA) is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and professional environment that supports creativity, collaboration, and community engagement in the arts. We are equally dedicated to maintaining a community that upholds human rights, dignity, and equality of opportunity, and is free from any form of harassment, intimidation, or disrespect. This Code of Conduct outlines the standards of behavior expected from all artist members, volunteers, event participants, and community members who engage with the NGA. It serves as a guide to ensure that all interactions within the organization and with the public reflect our shared values of respect, professionalism, and integrity.
2. Core Values
The NGA is guided by the following core values, which express our collective commitment to creativity, respect, and community: • Respect: Treat all individuals with courtesy, kindness, and dignity, recognizing the inherent value of every person and their creative voice.
- Integrity: Act honestly, transparently, and ethically in all professional, creative, and community interactions.
- Inclusivity: Embrace and celebrate diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and artistic expressions, ensuring that all individuals feel welcome and supported.
- Professionalism: Uphold high standards of conduct, accountability, and excellence in all NGA-related activities and representations.
- Community Engagement: Contribute positively to the cultural life of Newmarket and surrounding areas by fostering collaboration, connection, and shared appreciation for the arts.
3. Expectations for Artist Members
Artist members represent the NGA within the arts community and the public. All members are expected to uphold the following standards of conduct and professionalism in their artistic practice and community engagement.
3.1 Professional Conduct
- Uphold the integrity and reputation of the NGA in all public and private interactions.
- Demonstrate professionalism in communication, collaboration, and the presentation of artwork.
- Respect deadlines, commitments, and responsibilities associated with NGA events, exhibitions, and initiatives.
- Refrain from behavior that could be perceived as harassment, discrimination, intimidation, or bullying.
- Maintain a cooperative and respectful attitude in all group and community settings.
- Present only original artwork and provide proper acknowledgment for collaborations or shared projects.
- Avoid plagiarism, misrepresentation, or any form of unethical artistic practice.
- Respect and protect the intellectual property rights of fellow artists and the broader creative community.
- Accurately represent artwork in submissions, exhibitions, and promotional materials.
- Treat fellow artists, organizers, volunteers, and community members with courtesy and encouragement.
- Offer constructive feedback when appropriate and accept feedback with openness and professionalism.
- Respect shared event spaces, materials, and equipment during group events and exhibitions.
- Foster an atmosphere of mutual support and appreciation within the artistic community.
- Interact respectfully with the public, community members, and patrons during exhibitions and events.
- Represent the NGA positively in all forms of communication, including social media and public discussions.
- Use NGA platforms responsibly and equitably, avoiding self-promotion that excludes or undermines other members.
- Contribute to the public’s understanding and appreciation of the arts through respectful dialogue and engagement.
4. Expectations for Community Members and Event Attendees
Community members, visitors, and event participants play an important role in supporting and celebrating the arts through their engagement with the NGA. To ensure that all NGA events, exhibitions, and programs remain positive, inclusive, and respectful spaces, the following expectations apply to all who participate.
4.1 Respectful Interaction
- Treat all artists, volunteers, organizers, and fellow attendees with respect, courtesy, and consideration.
- Engage with artworks and artists thoughtfully—avoid touching or photographing works without explicit permission.
- Refrain from disruptive, disrespectful, or aggressive behavior during exhibitions, workshops, or other events.
- Be mindful of personal space, noise levels, and the comfort of others in shared environments.
- Follow any posted guidelines or instructions from NGA organizers to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants.
- The NGA is a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities.
- Discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or hate-based behavior of any kind will not be tolerated.
- Accessibility needs should be respected and supported; participants are encouraged to communicate any requirements to NGA staff or volunteers.
- Any form of verbal, physical, or visual harassment is strictly prohibited.
- Report any concerns or incidents of inappropriate behavior to NGA organizers, volunteers, or event staff promptly so they may be addressed in a timely and respectful manner.
- Engage with artists about their work respectfully and with genuine curiosity.
- Ask questions or offer feedback in a way that encourages dialogue and mutual understanding.
- Recognize that art is a form of personal expression—avoid judgmental or dismissive comments.
- Support and celebrate the diversity of artistic expression represented within the NGA community.
- Be mindful of artists’ time and privacy, particularly during busy events or installations.
5. Social Media and Public Communication
The NGA recognizes that social media and public communication are powerful tools for promoting creativity, collaboration, and community engagement. All members, volunteers, and community participants are expected to use these platforms responsibly and respectfully to uphold the integrity and reputation of the NGA and its members.
5.1 Respectful Online Conduct
- Communicate respectfully and thoughtfully on all public platforms, including social media, websites, and forums.
- Avoid posting, sharing, or endorsing any content that could be considered defamatory, discriminatory, harassing, or inflammatory toward the NGA, its members, partners, or the public.
- Be mindful that online interactions reflect on the NGA community; maintain professionalism and courtesy at all times.
- Do not engage in online arguments, gossip, or disparaging commentary about other members, artists, or organizations.
- Only speak publicly on behalf of the NGA if authorized by the Executive Committee or a designated spokesperson.
- When sharing NGA-related content, ensure that information is accurate, current, and properly attributed.
- Clearly distinguish personal opinions from official NGA positions when discussing arts-related matters online or in media interviews
- When posting photos or videos of NGA events, exhibitions, or artworks, always credit artists, photographers, and the NGA appropriately.
- Obtain permission before sharing images or personal information about other members, volunteers, or attendees.
- Respect the confidentiality of internal NGA discussions, decisions, and planning materials.
- Do not post or share artwork images without the artist’s consent, unless the work is already publicly displayed or explicitly designated for promotion
- Use social media to promote the arts in a way that is positive, inclusive, and aligned with the NGA’s values.
- Support fellow members by sharing their exhibitions, successes, and creative endeavors when appropriate.
- Celebrate the diversity and talent of the NGA community while avoiding self-promotion that overshadows or diminishes others.
6. Reporting and Accountability
The NGA is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all members and community participants. Concerns or complaints about conduct are taken seriously and handled with integrity and confidentiality.
- Concerns, complaints, or observed breaches of this Code of Conduct should be submitted confidentially to the NGA Executive Committee at [email protected].
- Reports may be made by any member, volunteer, or community participant who has experienced or witnessed inappropriate behavior at NGA events or within its community.
- The Executive Committee will review each report promptly, fairly, and with discretion, ensuring that all parties are treated with respect throughout the process.
- Investigations, when required, will be conducted impartially and may include gathering statements from those directly involved.
- Possible outcomes may include mediation, verbal or written warnings, suspension of membership, or removal from NGA activities or events, depending on the nature and severity of the concern.
- Retaliation against any individual who raises a concern or participates in a review process is strictly prohibited.
- The NGA is committed to continuous improvement and may use de-identified information from reports to enhance training, policy updates, and community awareness.
Participation in the NGA community - whether as an artist member, volunteer, or event participant - requires a shared commitment to respect, professionalism, and integrity. All members and participants are expected to:
- Read and understand the NGA Code of Conduct.
- Act in accordance with its principles during all NGA-related activities, events, and communications.
- Contribute to a culture of mutual respect, inclusivity, and artistic collaboration.
Participation in any NGA program, exhibition, or event signifies agreement to uphold these standards and to support a creative community built on respect, accountability, and shared artistic purpose.