Accountable Spaces Session
- Clint Sinclair
- Apr 3
- 3 min read
Rain Crew is committed to creating respectful, inclusive spaces where everyone feels welcome. These sessions are to explore what can help us each feel welcomed and respected within dance spaces and what steps we can take as facilitators, artists, and visitors to be accountable for our actions.
Join us at any one of three sessions:
The sessions will be facilitated by Clint Sinclair with Safeguarding and mental health support by Nzinga Mascall.
The agenda will cover:
What issues exist around safety in dance spaces?
What behaviours do we expect to see and not see?
How can we hold each other accountable?
What will help to do this?
About Clint Sinclair
Clint is a founder of dance company Rain Crew Ltd with a deep commitment to antiracism, equality, diversity and dignity.
"I believe in the power of creativity, people and communities in realising human-centred social change, and I am committed to cultivating diverse spaces, through inclusive leadership.
I am known for developing strategic vision and driving change through the development of services and partnerships. I Initiated a series of roundtable events to tackles Racism, sexism and LGBT+ inclusion within the dance sector. Partnered with Amnesty International on "Brits Abroad" round table to tackle illegal international arms trade through UK Brass Plate companies. Coordinated a fundraising initiatives in over 10 cities across Europe to support victims of disaster. As an International law graduate (LLM) with a passion for human rights, social and economic development and conflict resolution; I understand the power of values centred, authentic leadership to challenge and dismantle barriers to cultivate thriving people and communities."
About Nzinga Mascall
Nzinga is Safeguarding and mental health support practitioner:
"Community and connection are a vital part of my approach. When spaces exclude and exploit, I create spaces of shared experiences and this then becomes our strength. They affirm our worth, counter isolation, and empower us to navigate systemic barriers together, increasing emotional and physical wellness.
My heart is rooted in community, I'm passionate about building inclusive spaces where voices are not only heard but valued. My work centres on creating platforms for underrepresented groups to shape the very spaces that impact their lives.
A core element of my approach is reimagining safeguarding, moving beyond traditional definitions to create a supportive and protective environment for everyone. I believe in shifting the narrative, educating, and building a community-driven understanding of safeguarding that focuses on safety, respect, and collaborative growth. My aim is to cultivate spaces where everyone feels valued, protected, and empowered to thrive."
Why is this needed?
Artists largely consider the Breaking scene to be inherently inclusive due to its roots in representing people who've experienced marginalisation. However, there have been recurring incidents of inappropriate behaviour over the years, with little to no action or accountability.
Our feeling is that there needs to be a way to prioritise the safety of people who've experienced harm and create a path to prevention. This involves developing the ability to navigate what went wrong, understanding how to apologise, changing behaviour, preventing harm, and holding ourselves and each other to account.
This required not only focusing only on those who've done harm and but rather on the wider context and conditions that the harm took place in.
So what happens next?
So, a few things that we think might be useful are:
Sessions to socialise and open the topic in a solution focused way
A written guide or statement for conduct and accountability within spaces we make available whether Rain Crew members are around or not
Signposting to support those who experience harm
A formal process for reporting and investigating incidents
Space for community to meet, reflect, and talk
Training or opportunities to practice how to respond as active bystanders
We do think other things are needed, so this is part of the work and we hope that others who make spaces available to our community will also adopt active bystander approaches in their spaces and that we can all learn from each other.
Who can attend?
Anyone who wants to contribute to this discussion. The topics discussed may be challenging or triggering and we ask all participants to show respect and empathy to those present.
What do I do if I have any questions or concerns?
Reach out to us at info@raincrewuk.com to raise any questions or concerns you may have. We'll be happy to also capture your contributions in other ways even if you aren't able to make the sessions.
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