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Writer's pictureBradley Dylan

Brave Spaces: A Guide for Theatre Companies and Organisations

We believe that theatre and creative organisations are more than just stages and studios. Not simply places where work gets done, but where people from all different backgrounds and with entirely unique perspectives come together with authenticity and courage to ignite creativity and foster collaboration.  


At the bedrock of collaboration is conflict. We know conflict can feel scary, but through creating spaces where we are all encouraged to be brave, and ensuring psychological safety, you'll find conflict will become an asset to your creative process.


At Be You, we've embraced these principles, publishing our policy on how we create and maintain such environments. Today, we want to share our journey and guide you in cultivating your own safe and brave spaces.


 

So what do we mean by Brave Spaces?

In dialogues surrounding inclusivity and diversity the concept of "brave spaces" has emerged as an evolution of the "safe spaces" idea. This shift acknowledges the complexity and challenges of guaranteeing safety for everyone, especially when discussing sensitive topics like race, gender, and disability.


As a rundown, safe spaces refer to creating environments where everyone can feel comfortable, regardless of their identity or experience. It places emphasis on everyone’s right to exist in a space without necessarily stepping outside of anyone’s comfort zone and trying to avoid conflicts.


Brave spaces, on the other hand, recognise there is a big difference between feeling discomfort and feeling unsafe. Stepping outside of our comfort zones is often the key to fostering and creating challenging dialogues that are both personally and creatively fulfilling and productive. They are spaces where all participants feel empowered to make bold choices, disagree with one another in a respectful way and (at times) make mistakes/bounce ideas off one another. 


Brave spaces place emphasis on everyone’s right to actively participate in a space and recognises the inherent discomforts that may appear when people with different perspectives come together to create something that is their best work.


The Limitations of Safe Spaces Model of Practice:

  • Safety Cannot Be Guaranteed: True safety is subjective and unique to the individual. What feels safe to one may not to another, making it impossible to guarantee a universally safe environment. Additionally, what makes a space safer for one person may not meet the needs of someone else

  • Neglect of Power Dynamics: Safe spaces often overlook the intricate power dynamics that influence individuals' ability to participate fully. Power, both visible and invisible, plays a significant role in shaping these interactions.

  • Limited Potential for growth: The prioritisation of safe spaces above all else and inherent comfort that comes with this, can restrict the challenges required for growth. This is particularly the case where difficult and honest discussions are shut down, and diverse and authentic opinions are not sought out.


The Promise of Brave Spaces:

  • Acknowledging Power and History: Brave spaces start with recognising power dynamics and historical contexts. By addressing these imbalances, we create room for more honest and open discussions.

  • Encouraging Courage Over Comfort: Unlike safe spaces, brave spaces encourage participants to engage with courage and vulnerability, even when the conversation is uncomfortable. This approach fosters growth and learning through challenging dialogues.




Practical Steps Towards Building Brave Spaces

Creating brave spaces requires intention, clear communication, and a commitment to ongoing learning. When meeting a new project group for the first time we suggest taking some time out of your first meeting to discuss and create a brave space. Here are some practical steps to guide you:

Set Clear Expectations

Facilitate Open Dialogue

Acknowledge and Address Power Dynamics

Establish Norms for Conflict and Discomfort

Foster Psychological Safety

Encourage Leadership Buy-in and Modelling




Steps to Reinforce a Brave Space

After setting up your brave space, you’ll need to commit to some actions to reinforce it. You may not need to do all of these, though ensuring you’ve considered and implemented the points that would benefit your unique space and the people in it will go a long way.

1. Create Mechanisms for Feedback and Reflection

2. Promote Equity and Inclusion

3. Build Capacity for Brave Spaces

 

What to Consider as Time Goes On

You’ve set it up, you’ve reinforced it. Your job as a leader is to continue to reflect and review and ensure it continues to be the brave space that you need it to be. 


Regular Review and Adaptation

Establish a routine for regularly reviewing and adapting the brave space practices based on feedback and changing needs. This ensures the space remains relevant and effective for all participants.


Crisis Management Plan

Develop a clear plan for managing crises or incidents that may arise during difficult conversations. This includes having trained personnel on hand to address conflicts or emotional distress and knowing when to pause discussions to provide support.


Encourage Allyship

Encourage participants to be allies for each other, standing up for others, amplifying their voices, and actively working to create an inclusive environment.


Establish Clear Communication Channels

Ensure there are multiple, clearly defined channels for participants to communicate concerns or feedback privately. This can help address issues promptly and maintain the integrity of the brave space.


Raise Awareness of Intersectionality in your Organisation

Acknowledge that individuals’ experiences of privilege and oppression are shaped by multiple, interconnected social identities. This awareness helps in understanding the diverse perspectives and experiences within the group.


Celebrate Progress and Successes

Regularly acknowledge and celebrate the progress and successes achieved in creating brave spaces. This not only reinforces positive behaviour but also motivates participants to continue their efforts.


Practical Scenario Training

Conduct scenario-based training sessions where participants can practice responding to challenging situations in a controlled environment. This hands-on approach helps build confidence and skills in managing real-world discussions.





 

Moving Forward

Creating brave spaces is an ongoing journey requiring intentionality, commitment, and a willingness to engage with complex and sometimes uncomfortable topics. By implementing these practical steps, organisations can foster environments where everyone feels valued, heard, and empowered to share their truths. This, in turn, cultivates a culture of learning, growth, and mutual respect—foundations for any successful brave space initiative.


Are you ready to create brave spaces within your organisation? Let's take the first step together. Email me for a confidential conversation specific to your organisation’s needs (at no cost to you).


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