Ethos
PERO and Project Zanana places a strong emphasis on honest and transparent operational practices, see below the ethos and ideas that guide our work. This is a working note, last updated 8 Jan 24. These are the current guidelines, please do email hello@pero.world if you have more suggestions. Our practices center care and financial empowerment for the Global Majority (Black, Asian, People of Colour, Mixed Heritage) are properly compensated for labour, talent and energy.
COLLECTIVISM
PERO and Project Zanana are influenced by Collectivism and the don that is Murray Bookchin (Communalism). We run on a community-orientated model where paid client work supports community and creative projects.
For example with Coaching, paid coaching clients support affordable or free Zanana Coaching for BPOC community.
FAIR PAY
It is important that all freelancers, contributers, speakers, workshop leaders that PERO and Project Zanana hire are paid fairly for their time, this includes preparation and admin time. Additionally, it is important that travel costs are covered. Fees and costs have been based on industry best practice for creative practitioner’s time (Scottish Artists Union rates of pay for example) and incorporates learnings from the #CPGculture Report - One Step Beyond: Radical Futures for Cultural Freelancers around accurately paying for all ‘the time’ a freelancer may give to a project. Particularly, BPOC’s earning potential was one of the most shocking parts of Creative Scotland’s diversity report. PERO + Project Zanana does not want to contribute to a damaging cycle of free-work or underpay for creative practitioners. If by exception we use volunteers for an event or to collaborate on a project, an agreement will be put in place clearly detailing the scope of the project to ensure the volunteers time, skills and well-being are valued. If someone is hired as a representative of stable organisation, it may be agreed upon in advance that their organisation will cover their time/expenses. SAFE SPACES
PERO + Project Zanana fundamentally believes in the power of safe spaces for BPOC communities to come together and share their experiences in a supportive environment without any negative consequences. It is important for BPOC to have their own private space for real and honest conversations, as explained in this great article by Kelsey Blackwell. We may designate events as for BPOC groups only [noted as closed events], please check event details carefully before booking. Additionally, attendees are encouraged to put their phones down to foster open conversation. WE CONTAIN UNIVERSES
It is important to remember that BPOC are not a homogeneous group with the same backgrounds, experiences, needs or dreams. It is also vital to remember that BPOC contain multiple universes within them, they do not need to solely make work or tell stories about their experience of being a BPOC. PERO and Project Zanana are not interested in exploiting people’s personal trauma as a tool for change. ALL ABOARD
It is important that anti-abelism and access is built into our offerings. Free eventsAll events/workshops have travel bursary available to allow those who require it to cover their travel costs, as we know the rising cost of public transport is a barrier to accessWe can arrange for a BSL Interpreter to be available at events/workshops if requiredAll events/workshops will be held in an accessible venueCoaching is offered through different digital platforms and telephone.
Long-form digital content where possible will be available in both written and audio