Safer Space Principles

Konserttikeskus is committed to the principles of safer space, which aim to enhance the sense of safety in our activities — both on a personal and communal level. These principles also apply to our presence on social media.

We strive to create safe and memorable encounters with live music for everyone, regardless of background or place of residence. Our performers represent our organization during tours, and we therefore expect all artists to commit to the principles of safer space.

Our safer space principles are based on the guidelines developed by Suomen musiikintekijät ry.

Respect others and the boundaries they set

Respect each individual’s personal space and the boundaries they define — both physical and mental. Everyone deserves bodily autonomy, which means refraining from commenting on anyone’s weight, eating habits, or appearance.

Do not touch others without their consent. Sexual and gender-based harassment is considered discrimination under the Finnish Equality Act. Sexual harassment refers to verbal, non-verbal, or physical behavior of a sexual nature that is unwanted and intended or effectively results in violating a person’s mental or physical integrity — especially by creating a threatening, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or distressing atmosphere.

Learn more: https://tasa-arvo.fi/hairinta

Do not make assumptions or generalizations

Please do not make open assumptions or generalizations about others based on gender, sexuality, social background, life situation, skin color, heritage, ethnicity, culture, ability, or financial status. Everyone has the right to self-determination.

Be open-minded and aware of when your understanding of someone is based on an assumption or generalization — and strive to let go of it.

Do not discriminate

Discrimination means treating someone worse than others based on a personal characteristic. Every person has the right to equal treatment.

Please do not reinforce racist or otherwise discriminatory stereotypes in your speech, actions, or behavior —even as a joke or ironically.

We do not tolerate any form of discrimination. No one should be discriminated against based on age, origin, nationality, language, religion, belief, opinion, political activity, trade union involvement, family status, health condition, disability, sexual orientation, or any other personal attribute. Discrimination is prohibited under the Finnish Non-Discrimination Act.

Learn more: https://yhdenvertaisuus.fi/lainsaadanto

Meet and listen

Approach everyone with openness, making space for genuine interaction without letting preconceived notions or assumptions take over. Each person deserves to be heard and seen in a respectful way. Listen to others’ opinions and accept that someone may disagree with you. Express disagreement constructively and calmly. Focus your opinion on the issue or action — not the person. Don’t aim to be right; aim to understand.

Recognize and act with awareness of your position of power

If you are participating in an event as an expert or otherwise hold a position of power compared to others, act with awareness and consideration of your role. Discuss sensitive topics respectfully, understanding that they may evoke different reactions in others than in yourself. With freedom comes responsibility.

Give space and use clear language

Make sure everyone can participate in the conversation by being mindful of others and using accessible language.

Don’t assume that everyone has the same level of knowledge as you. Support others’ participation by explaining terms and complex concepts — both your own and those used by others— and by giving space for everyone to be heard.

Dare to ask – don’t be afraid of not knowing

If you find yourself unsure of how to act in a situation or wonder how your words may have come across to someone else, don’t hesitate to say so. Not knowing is not something to be ashamed of. Acknowledge it and ask others openly. This is how your understanding grows and how you can better consider others in the future.

Intervene if you witness harassment or inappropriate behavior

Harassment or inappropriate behavior can include aggressive pressure, threats, bullying, exclusion, intimidation, or mean-spirited comments. If you witness such behavior, speak up. It’s often easier for someone who is not the target to intervene. Stand up for others if you notice they are uncomfortable in a situation. If you need help addressing inappropriate behavior, please contact the designated harassment contact person according to the instructions below.

Did you feel uncomfortable at our event?

If you felt uncomfortable during our event, you can ask for support from others present and/or contact our designated harassment contact person. If you realize that your own behavior was inappropriate, please apologize. You’ll find the contact details for the harassment contact person below.

The harassment contact person offers conversational support and guidance on how to proceed in situations where someone has experienced behavior that violates our safer space principles. They can advise you on possible next steps. Please note that the harassment contact person does not act as a mediator. All communication with the contact person is strictly confidential.

You can contact the harassment contact person by email. Don’t hesitate to reach out — even if you’re unsure whether the situation qualifies as harassment or inappropriate behavior.

When contacting the harassment contact person, please include:

  • How you would like to be contacted (email, video call, phone call)
  • When you would prefer to be contacted
  • The necessary contact details for follow-up

Harassment contact persons:

Noora Herranen, noora.herranen@konserttikeskus.fi

Annika Kukkonen, annika.kukkonen@hel.fi

Urgent criminal case

If you suspect a crime has occurred, please contact the police immediately and file a criminal report.

Olethan yhteydessä poliisiin, mikä epäilet, että kyseessä on rikos. Tee asiasta rikosilmoitus. 

Report a crime: https://poliisi.fi/tee-rikosilmoitus

Police Advisory Service for Non-Urgent Matters

The Finnish Police also offers a nationwide advisory service for non-urgent matters. You can reach them at 0295 419 800 on weekdays from 8:00 to 16:15. The advisory service provides general guidance and assistance with matters such as filing a criminal report or similar issues.

Anonymous report

You can also submit an anonymous report if you wish to bring up an issue but do not want to engage in further discussion. Our office reviews all anonymous messages and makes necessary adjustments to our operations based on them.

If you wish to discuss the matter or have it addressed further, please contact the harassment contact person. You can submit an anonymous report below.

    Issue/title

    Did inappropriate behavior or harassment occur at an event organized by Konserttikeskus?

    Please describe the incident in your own words below

    Useful links:

    MIELI Mental Health Crisis Helpline 09 2525 0111

    You can call the Crisis Helpline if:

    • Your life has recently changed and you’re feeling unwell
    • You’ve experienced a traumatic event
    • You feel overwhelmed by fear, worry, or grief
    • You’re having suicidal thoughts
    • You’re concerned about someone close to you

    More information about the MIELI Crisis Helpline here >

    Sekaisin CHAT

    Sekasin Chat is aimed at young people aged 12 to 29. Each conversation lasts approximately 45 minutes.

    Access Sekasin Chat here>

    *Sources:

    Our safer space principles have been inspired especially by the guidelines provided by Finnish Music Creators. Below are additional useful links. Thank you for the excellent examples!

    ”We want to ensure that everyone has a safe and memorable encounter with live music, regardless of their background or place of residence. Our performers represent our organization during tours, and we therefore expect all artists to commit to the principles of safer space.”