The Odd Rocket Collective is proudly made up of creatives and artists; some of the most interesting, exciting, difficult, troubled, and often traumatised individuals in society. 

Some of the best art in human history was created in direct response to trauma. It is therefore very likely that some of the members’ art, conversation, workshops or events will involve topics that could trigger a trauma-response or challenging reaction. 

 

Whilst there are clearly therapeutic and healing benefits to engaging with art, therapy is not the goal of TORC, but a welcome by-product. 

As TORC grows, it will always and consistently strive to engage in trauma-informed practice; developing a healthy culture around deepening our awareness of how trauma can negatively impact individuals and communities.

 

Regardless of TORC members’ training or qualifications, we cannot (nor would we want to) promise that our spaces (physical or online) are completely “safe” for everyone. 

An argument could be made that creative spaces can never truly be safe; that art in fact exists to make us question, challenge, and de-construct our learned, socialised, normalised (and potentially problematic) behaviours and attitudes. That process is undoubtedly difficult, uncomfortable, and invariably risks causing harm.
 

Creative spaces are sometimes referred to as “brave” spaces. Rather than a promise or perception that no harm can possibly occur, bravery is instead required to speak up when experiencing or witnessing harm, as well as when being “called out” (or in) for a lack of awareness when causing harm. TORC members welcome and value the opportunity for growth and learning, and don’t see being questioned, challenged, or called out as a simple criticism, or attack on their moral value.

 

All that said, the whole nature of TORC is that we are a collective. We are community-focussed, and community-led. A great many things are fluid, up for debate and discussion, and our understanding of certain things could well change as we grow. We’re humans trying our best with the limitations we have, to make our spaces as safe as we can.

 

There is always more to be learned, and more work to do. Just as Odd Rockets are not afraid of each-other’s “odd-ness” we’re not afraid of the hard work necessary to build a community and a culture brick by brick, on a foundation of curiosity, bravery, kindness, honesty and genuine communication. Through that we are confident that trust and safety can develop, and individuals from myriad backgrounds and communities can be mutually respected and empowered.