ENGAGEMENT is an artist-led movement tackling sexual harassment, sexism and abuse of power in the Belgian arts field.
The movement was formed in the wake of #MeToo (2017) after countless instances of sexual harassment came to light in the Belgian dance community. Since then, ENGAGEMENT has transformed into an organised platform active across all artistic disciplines, doing work in the professional as well as the educational sphere.
As a low-threshold, peer-to-peer initiative, ENGAGEMENT offers support to individuals and communities facing transgressive behaviour, discrimination and/or unfair practices in the arts. We are continuously in conversation with organisations wanting to create safer and more inclusive working environments.
ENGAGEMENT has also taken an active role in the initiative against harassment launched by the Flemish Department of Culture, Youth and Media in 2018.
In our work, we approach sexual harassment and gender-based violence through the lens of intersectional feminism. ENGAGEMENT stands in solidarity with everyone fighting sexism, racism, ableism, and discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity and expression.
This project was initiated in 2017 by Ilse Ghekiere and developed in the context of D.I.T. (Do It Together), a research and development trajectory by Kunstenpunt..
The statement of this website was shaped in March 2018 by Sirah Foighel Brutmann, Rósa Ómarsdóttir, Gala Moody, Ilse Ghekiere.
A big thank you goes to all the people who got involved, structurally or temporarily, voluntarily and with incredible energy, to contribute to the work of ENGAGEMENT.
This website was designed with care by Sarah Magnan and Loraine Furter, from the collective Just for the Record, with the open source font Hind, designed by Manushi Parikh.
With support of vzw RoSa, ACOD/CGSP Cultuur, LBC Cultuurvakbond, Sociaal Fonds Podiumkunsten, Vlaamse Gemeenschapscommissie, SPIN, and oKo.
In collaboration with Level Five, State of the arts (SOTA), Circles on masculinities/Hugo Mega, WCNWLT, ON.IT.
Supportive partner: Kunsthal Gent.
Special thanks to all the performing artists from #wetoo #makemovement, who have inspired and supported this work.