We, the members of the SALOON Network, are committed to intersectional, de-colonial and anti-racist feminist work. Our membership is open to women-identifying individuals, non-binary and gender non-conforming people who acknowledge and support our network’s mission to center the experiences of women. We especially encourage Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC), cis, trans women as well as non-binary people to apply for a SALOON membership. The SALOON Network is dedicated to dismantling boundaries and becoming a network that truly represents the diverse members of our society.
The SALOON Board members developed a list of SALOON values during a joint meeting in Marseille in 2023. In a subsequent online survey, all SALOON members worldwide could participate to weigh, strengthen, and add to these values. This collaboration resulted in the following SALOON Core Values we are committed to and act upon.
SALOON Core Values
Community & Solidarity: Building a supportive network through regular local and global meetings to foster a sense of belonging and mutual support.
Curiosity & Knowledge: Fostering a culture of continuous learning and exploration in the art field, and facilitating the exchange of knowledge and experiences among SALOON members.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Celebrating diverse experiences and identities within our network, ensuring fair treatment and opportunities for all, dismantling societal barriers, and creating an open and respectful environment.
Empowerment & Visibility: Supporting members by providing opportunities for professional development, visibility, and recognition in the art world.
Exchange & Networking: Encouraging the sharing of ideas and experiences through internal meetings in different cities, online, and public events, and facilitating connections to support collaboration and professional growth.
Generosity & Voluntary Work: Encouraging generosity and valuing the contributions of members who volunteer their time and expertise to support our network's activities and events.
Respect & Sorority: Building a trustful community that supports and uplifts one another and fostering strong bonds among members.
Local and International Support: Connecting members worldwide to enhance cultural exchange and create opportunities for international collaboration.
How we reflect or values in our communication:
Respectful and appreciative behavior is fundamental in all situations to enhance a safer space. Our mode of interaction at SALOON is based on fair, cooperative and non-violent communication that allows constructive dialogue and feedback regardless of status.
Conflict Resolution:
Offensive behavior will not be tolerated; those affected should be encouraged to report incidents to the board in confidence. In conflict situations, discussions are objective, empathetic, nuanced and solution-oriented to clarify misunderstandings and resolve problems at an early stage. In addition to active listening, discussions or (external) mediation and coaching are helpful. We have board members trained in conflict resolution to help solve any conflicts that might occur.
How we reflect our values in our actions and initiatives:
Local and Global Engagement: We facilitate connections and collaborations between SALOON members in various cities worldwide through our internal online and physical Meetings and public Events, and we enhance the global exchange of ideas and cultural perspectives.
Public Programs and Events: We organize and support public events that highlight the work and contributions of women-identifying or women-supporting, non-binary art professionals, addressing topics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the arts.
Education and Advocacy: Through discussions, exhibitions, intersectional and gender literacy training as well as other forms of engagement, we aim to raise awareness about the challenges faced by women-identifying or women-supporting non-binary individuals in the art field and advocate for systemic change.
Continuous Improvement: We regularly assess our Code of Conduct and DEI practices and seek feedback from our members to ensure we are meeting our goals and making meaningful progress. We carefully revise our statements regularly to account for the rapidly evolving discourse towards nuanced and continuous improvement.
SALOON is dedicated to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where every member can benefit and contribute to the richness of the art world. Together, we work towards a future where everyone’s contributions are recognized regardless of gender, race, religion, class, ability, or creed and given the visibility and equal treatment they deserve.