
In the arts and creative industries, silence around racism can reinforce harmful norms — especially when gatekeepers, leaders or peers stay quiet in the face of exclusion or harm. Whether in a rehearsal room, a writers room, on a panel, or online, speaking up — or calling someone in — can interrupt these patterns.
Artists, producers, curators and audiences all have a role to play in building culturally safe environments. Speaking up doesn’t always mean public confrontation. It might mean a quiet but firm conversation, advocating for someone behind the scenes, or questioning a decision that perpetuates inequity. In a sector built on expression, using your voice to challenge injustice is a powerful act of solidarity.
Call-outs — public challenges to racist or harmful behaviour — can be important ways to speak truth to power and hold people accountable. But call-out culture, especially on social media, is often criticised for being performative, more focused on ‘virtue signalling’ than achieving real change.
The concept of calling in encourages a more relational approach: engaging someone privately, with the aim of fostering reflection and growth rather than shame.
How do I do it?
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Decide when and how to speak up — and what will be most effective in the moment.
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Calling out is useful when behaviours needs to be interrupted immediately to prevent further harm, or when it’s important to signal that certain actions are unacceptable. It also signals to the wider community.
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Call in when you want to invite someone into a deeper conversation about their actions or assumptions — especially if there’s a chance for meaningful learning.
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Speaking up might happen in the moment — or after. It can be public or private, direct or subtle. The key is to act, not stay silent.
RESOURCES
WEBSITE
Call It Out First Nations Racism Register
A secure and accessible platform for reporting racism and discrimination experienced by First Nations Peoples, led by Jumbunna Research in partnership with the National Justice Project. By collecting and analysing these reports, the register helps expose the realities and impacts of racism, inform annual public reports, and support systemic change. It aims to build a strong evidence base to support anti-racism action, influence policy, and raise community awareness.


SOURCE:
Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education and Research
COUNTRY:
Australia
YEAR:
2022
ARTICLE
How Not to Be an Ally
This article explores common mistakes people make when trying to support marginalised communities. It highlights behaviours like centring oneself, seeking praise, and avoiding discomfort, which can undermine true allyship. The article emphasises that real allyship requires listening, accountability, and sustained, self-aware action.


SOURCE:
The Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues