‘Flag System’ – a tool for assessing transgressive behaviour by Engagement Arts

Content & format

The flag system is a practical tool to make the complex conversation about boundaries easier. We do not avoid the gut feeling, but we look for a way to approach situations more objectively and analytically in order to arrive at a shared moral framework within the work context. The flag system was developed by Sociaal Fonds Podiumkunsten in collaboration with Sensoa, IDEWE, ENGAGEMENT ARTS. The workshop starts with a 30 minute introduction. Afterwards the participants will be divided in groups of max. 5 and discuss a series of cases. In the end each group will present one case.

Learning outcomes

The participants will receive a detailed list of criteria and questions that are supportive in assessing situations of transgressive behaviour. The workshop offers organisations a hands-on support to how to deal with situation of transgressive behavior when they happen.

More info on the flag system

Would you like to learn more about the flag system? Together with Sensoa, the Social Fund for Performing Arts developed a tool tailored to the sector to make transgressive behaviour discussable. The flag system is part of a toolbox with concrete frameworks and tools developed in close cooperation with Engagement Arts, among others. You can download the toolbox via this link. Please note: it exists only in Dutch for now.

About the speakers

Petra Van Brabandt (left) and Aike Roodenburg (right) for ENGAGEMENT ARTS.

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.