We believe that the role of experimental art is to critically engage and transform individuals, communities, and the world at large. In service of CounterPulse’s vision, we are committed to sustaining a community-led and ethics-minded institution that nurtures and invests in artist-centered programming based on accountability to our communities.

We ask that everyone who is involved with CounterPulse’s work or comes to our events commits to the following guidelines in order to ensure that all of our programming is in service of developing a creative space for Black people and people of the African Diaspora, Indigenous people, and other people of color; people with disabilities; the poor and working class; our neighboring community within the Tenderloin; and Queer and Trans folks.

We commit to honoring our neighbors and ancestors

CounterPulse is located in Yelamu, the unceded land of the Raymatush Ohlone people, also known as the historical district of the Tenderloin and the Transgender Cultural District. It is one of the last remaining Black neighborhoods in San Francisco. Please respect our neighbors, the families who live here, and the generations who came before us and who will inherit what we build.

counterpulse.org/landacknowledgement

We commit to centering and resourcing historically subjugated peoples

CounterPulse is dedicated to Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Liberation (DEAL) work. We contribute our efforts to overturning white supremacy, racism, and subjugation of all kinds within and beyond our artistic communities. We value freedom of expression and do not tolerate any kind of hate speech, discrimination, harassment, bullying, or cultural appropriation. All programs are no-one-turned-away-for-lack-of-funds, and we encourage those who can give more to do so!

counterpulse.org/deal

We commit to offering accessible space

CounterPulse is one of the few fully ADA-compliant venues of its size in the Bay Area, and we prioritize the needs of disabled, chronically ill, and immunocompromised audiences. We expect all of our guests to uphold this commitment by prioritizing physical access and wearing masks when asked in support of safety and enjoyment for all. Our staff is available to support when any access accommodations are needed.

counterpulse.org/accessibility • counterpulse.org/covid19

We commit to community safety and care

We center compassion when facing the challenges of working in community. We remain curious about the difference between a threat to safety and a moment of discomfort. Our staff is trained in de-escalation and harm reduction, and we make ourselves present and available to support our artists and audiences. As a principle, we only call 9-1-1 or engage the police if there is an active crisis that we cannot deescalate as a community and there are no other known resources for support. We have NARCAN, fentanyl testing strips, and needle deposits available on site at all times.

counterpulse.org/ourneighborhood

We value our community’s input on these guidelines!

To provide feedback, please contact us at info@counterpulse.org

>> or fill out this anonymous survey <<

Body as a Crossroads Process Lab from the 2023 CounterPulse Festival. Photo by Bobby Gordon.