Before we start the new round of our survey next week, we would like to take a look back – albeit very belatedly – at the previous survey. 40 members took part in the 2023 transparency survey, i.e. around 10% of our membership – thank you very much! The “award lists” (commitment / services) that we maintain have been further filled and will be continuously updated from the next survey onwards so that new members also have the opportunity to get involved. However, we also received a wide range of suggestions in the survey. There is a great desire for new working groups (AG Inklusion, AG Feiern, AG Familie & Beruf, AG Finanzbeschaffung, AG Medienkompetenz & Beratung, AG Werksverkauf & Ausstellungsberatung, AG Wettbewerbe, AG Spartenübergreifende Kunst & Kunst im öffentlichen Raum, AG Nördliches Sachsen-Anhalt). In addition, the participants wanted to be asked about their own mentoring and coaching offers aimed at colleagues, as well as greater attention to the diverse skills of artists – for example in the areas of restoration, stage design, design and craftsmanship.
In 2023, we included a set of questions on the topic of inclusion for the first time. The responses indicate that there is interest and a need for inclusion among BBK members and that the survey has raised awareness of the issue. Over 70% of respondents think it is important to very important that the BBK Saxony-Anhalt is involved in the area of inclusion. The focus should primarily be on cultural participation for people with disabilities (82% of responses), but also on accessibility in exhibitions (73%) and work opportunities for artists with disabilities (63%). 3 respondents stated that they were already part of a network dealing with inclusion in the cultural sector, 2 respondents would like to become part of such a network. However, only 28% of respondents would like to participate in an inclusion working group within the BBK Saxony-Anhalt, which is considered important in principle. Workshops on the topics of inclusion, participation and involvement were requested by 7 respondents. 8 respondents stated that they already work inclusively in their artistic mediation work, while 7 respondents would like to expand their offerings to include people with disabilities, but face various hurdles in doing so. The accessibility of the BBK office was rated as moderate; specifically, a lack of a ramp at the entrance was criticized. In the online and print communication of the BBK Saxony-Anhalt, 52% saw a clear need for improvement, while 48% gave a good to very good rating.
All in all, the 2023 transparency survey generated a great deal of impetus and new ideas. We have already been able to address some points in the course of 2024. For example, we have supported two workshops on art and parenthood and are also working to improve the compatibility of scholarships and family life. We have based our new homepage (online since April 2024) on the current standards for accessibility. We will try to take up the suggestions for new workshops in 2025 and will soon ask which of you would like to offer your own workshops or coaching sessions for colleagues. Of course, you can also use our internal newsletter at any time to submit offers to your colleagues or request support from other artists. As far as the desired formation of working groups is concerned, we are dependent on your initiative: If you would like to set up a specific working group, please send us a text outlining the concerns and possible objectives of the working group as well as suggested dates for a meeting. Our office is available for this – preferably from Monday to Wednesday.