HCS Code of Conduct

A community built on care, respect, and collective creativity.

At Hamilton Craft Studios, our community is at the heart of everything we do. We believe that shared spaces thrive when they are shaped by shared responsibility, honest communication, and a deep respect for each person’s experience, identity, and creative practice.

By participating in HCS as a member, instructor, employee, visitor, or guest, you agree to uphold the culture of care that defines our studio environment. This includes supporting each other’s safety, dignity, and creative growth—and being accountable to the collective well-being of the space.

Respect & Community Care

Everyone who enters HCS is expected to:

• Treat others with kindness, openness, and respect

• Communicate thoughtfully, directly, and without judgment

• Care for the space as a shared resource

• Honour boundaries; personal, creative, and communal

We welcome artists and makers of all skill levels and backgrounds. We believe everyone has something valuable to share, and that healthy, creative spaces are only possible when people feel seen, safe, and supported.

Zero Tolerance for Harm

HCS does not tolerate discrimination, harassment, violence, or intimidation of any kind. This includes:

• Racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, misogynistic, ableist, classist, or otherwise exclusionary language or behaviour

• Sexual harassment, unwanted or inappropriate physical contact, or sexually suggestive comments

• Threats of violence or verbal abuse

• Retaliation against those who report concerns

Violations of this policy may result in immediate removal from the studio and/or termination of membership or employment. HCS directors will address incidents with care, clarity, and a commitment to fairness and accountability.

Artistic Integrity

We expect all members and participants to respect the intellectual and creative property of others. This means:

• Not copying or closely replicating the work of other artists, inside or outside of HCS

• Giving credit where it’s due, and seeking consent when collaborating or referencing someone else’s work

• Avoiding monetization of derivative work intended to mimic or capitalize on another artist’s ideas or identity

We believe in building a culture of originality, curiosity, and growth; not imitation.

Studio Use & Conduct

• Members may only access the studios and equipment they’ve been trained or approved to use

• Members must follow all safety protocols and wear required protective equipment

• All tools, materials, and shared surfaces must be cleaned and returned after use

• Projects and materials must be stored properly and labelled clearly

• Members are expected to contribute to shared studio care where possible

Damage to equipment or tools due to neglect, misuse, or disregard for instruction may result in repair or replacement costs being charged to the responsible member. This includes triggering the SawStop system in the wood studio, which requires brake and possibly blade replacement.

Accessibility & Inclusion

HCS is committed to providing physically, financially, and socially accessible space for artists and makers. Our studios are designed to accommodate a wide range of needs, and we work actively with members to modify infrastructure as required. Studio access subsidies, sponsorships, and outreach programs are available through our funding and fundraising efforts.

We also recognize that accessibility is ongoing work. We are always open to feedback and collaboration as we strive to do better and build an equitable future for HCS and the wider community.

Commitment to Anti-Racism, 2SLGBTQ+ Safety, and Indigenous Sovereignty

HCS is an anti-racist, queer-affirming, and actively inclusive space. We are committed to:

• Addressing bias and harm within our studio and the craft communities we serve

• Creating meaningful space and opportunities for underrepresented makers and artists

• Learning from and amplifying the work of BIPOC and Indigenous communities

• Supporting LandBack efforts and Indigenous sovereignty in Hamilton and beyond

We recognize our roles as settlers on this land and our responsibilities in dismantling the systems that uphold colonialism and white supremacy. This work is woven into everything we do, from our hiring practices and leadership structure to our community partnerships and internal accountability.

This code of conduct is not a checklist; it’s a living commitment we make to one another as artists, neighbours, and community members. Together, we build the kind of space where everyone feels they belong - because they do.