FAQs

I’m interested in being a member of Artemis but don’t want to talk about my experience of sexual violence. Can I still join?

Yes. As survivors ourselves, we are well aware of how re-traumatizing having to discuss past experiences of sexual trauma can be. Therefore, eligibility for membership in Artemis is assessed based on a professional level of musical skill, and self-identification as a survivor of sexual violence. Talking about your specific experiences with sexual violence is certainly allowed, but is never a requirement for membership.

I’m a man/transgender/non-binary. Can I be in the group?

Yes. Membership in Artemis is open to all genders.

How do I prove that I’m a survivor?

You don’t. Artemis is dedicated to being a place where survivors are freed from the oppressive and inappropriate burden of proof so frequently placed upon them by their own legal, social and professional structures. In most cases, there is no definitive “proof” that sexual violence has occurred; likewise, experiences that do not meet the legal definition of rape/sexual assault in your place of residence can absolutely still be sexual violence. As such, the only requirement to be eligible for this aspect of Artemis’ mandate is that you self-identify as a survivor, and understand that membership in Artemis means that this will be known by our audiences. We believe you.

I’m interested in joining, but I’m not sure that what I experienced “qualifies” as sexual violence. Can I talk to someone in Artemis about this confidentially?

Yes. As stated above, our only requirement for membership is your own self-identification as a survivor. You should trust your own intuition above anything else; if what you experienced felt “wrong”, it probably was. We trust your judgement. That said, if it would bring you peace of mind to speak with someone on our team about what you have experienced, you are welcome to reach out to us. Your communication will be totally confidential, unless explicitly indicated otherwise by you.

I’m a survivor, and I’d like to join Artemis, but I don’t want my friends/colleagues/family members to know that I’m a survivor. Can I still participate?

We understand that “coming out” as a survivor can be a scary, complex, and in some cases even highly risky process, and not everyone is ready for the changes that this can bring about in their significant relationships. That said, given Artemis’ mandate of visibility and positive representation, most of our present activities do require your name and face to be known - and therefore, by extension, your identification as a survivor would likewise be public. Nonetheless, we encourage you to reach out to us if you are interested in participating, even if you are not ready to be “out” as a survivor. We are always looking for new ways to include and support survivors, so projects that allow for anonymity could be a part of our future, if we receive sufficient indications of interest. Your communication with us will be totally confidential, unless otherwise indicated by you.

I’m interested in participating, but I don’t live in Vancouver. Can I still join?

Yes! Our membership is worldwide, and we are always looking for new and innovative ways to overcome the distances between survivors - be they emotional, artistic or physical.

I’ve decided I want to join Artemis. What steps do I need to take?

Contact us directly with your CV and a message stating your interest. Recordings of your playing may be requested. We will then be in touch with you about upcoming projects and how you can be involved, depending on instrumentation and your location in the world.

I’m not a survivor, but I’d like to be involved. What can I do to help?

Excellent question! Contact us directly, and we would be happy to talk with you about how you can support Artemis as an ally, depending on your skillset and situation - be that through volunteering, collaboration, donation, or something else. We love to collaborate.

I’m a survivor, but I’m a painter/sculptor/cartoonist/dancer/other non-musician artist. Can we collaborate?

Yes! We are always open to talk about interdisciplinary collaborations. Contact us directly, and we will happily discuss your idea(s).