Bite #4: Cultural Bias in Staff and Artist Relations
Cultural misunderstandings, or ‘culture clashes,’ can happen when people come from different backgrounds or believe stereotypes shared through media or social influences. Without understanding other perspectives, misconceptions can shape how people react to cultural traditions in art and music. These moments need thoughtful and careful responses to address bias while respecting everyone.
Canadian composer/producer Michael Brook and legendary Pakistani vocalist Nusrat
Fateh Ali Khan collaborated to blend Qawwali music with Western influences, creating groundbreaking works like Night Song.
Setting The Stage
A newcomer DJ is playing Islamic Qawwali music in between sets at a festival in a non-denominational church. Band members, who are part of another marginalized community, complain the music is scary. The festival coordinator gets angry at the DJ, demanding they stop the music, implying they should know better. This leaves the DJ feeling disrespected and alienated for sharing their culture.
Reflection
What policies and training do your venue have to address cultural misunderstandings respectfully and fairly?
Actions
Facilitate Dialogue and Conflict Resolution:
Cultural Awareness and Exchange:
Set Clear Guidelines:
Create a Post-Event Plan:
Collaborate with Community-Based Restorative Programs:
- Create space for open discussions when concerns arise, listening to perspectives before taking action. Train staff to mediate misunderstandings calmly and fairly, focusing on de-escalation
Cultural Awareness and Exchange:
- Provide training for staff and performers on understanding and respecting cultural practices. Frame events as opportunities for cultural exchange
Set Clear Guidelines:
- Develop policies that outline mutual respect among artists and staff. Make sure expectations for inclusivity and fairness are clearly communicated and understood.
Create a Post-Event Plan:
- Meet with all parties involved after an event to address conflicts. If harm was caused, acknowledge the mistake and offer appropriate additional compensation to show accountability
Collaborate with Community-Based Restorative Programs:
- Partner with local organizations offering restorative justice services to address conflicts in ways that reflect community needs. These programs can support mediation and promote understanding.
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