What we believe
Welcome! We are so excited you're here. Below you'll find some agreements and best practices we live by in the Artists for Joy Community. Please take time to read through them; you’ll be asked to accept them before you join our Zoom call or in-person events.
🫶🏽 Language matters
Whoever you are, wherever you come from, regardless of your experience or ability level, you are welcome here.
Help us welcome everyone by:
Naming your experience without making assumptions about others'
Creating space for all voices to be heard. (Hang back if you share often or nudge yourself forward if you have yet to share, as you're comfortable!)
Never using language that is racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, ableist, classist, or xenophobic, as it will not be tolerated at Artists for Joy events.
Being mindful that sometimes discussions can touch on personal experiences that may be sensitive. Open communication is important, but we also need to be mindful of our collective well-being. If you choose to share an experience that may be sensitive or triggering, please be aware of the potential impact on others. If you feel uncomfortable at any point, please don't hesitate to take a break.
✨Creativity is soul-work
Be gentle with yourself and others as you discover and recover your creative impulse. Name what you need and honor others as they do the same. Never give unsolicited advice; the simple act of listening is incredibly powerful.
🤭 Have fun
There is an energy when a gaggle of fellow creative spirits comes together. It’s seriously the best thing ever. So, let the joy spill over when it comes. You aren't too late. You aren't out of time. You are right where you need to be. Here is your permission slip to enjoy yourself.
🗣️Speak up
Merideth and the co-facilitators are here to help (you will know who they are by the word "facilitator" at the front of their name.) Do not be afraid to ask them questions by directly messaging them in the chat or emailing us at hello@artistsforjoy.org. Please report any concerns or questions directly, and we will help however we can.
An excerpt from Merideth’s book, The Artist’s Joy, on inclusive faith/spiritual expression at AFJ events:
THE HIGHER POWER ELEPHANT
Most cultures have some type of creation story. I think that’s because people have looked at the world and sensed its wonder; they have experienced the power of creativity themselves and long to explain it. The “ah-ha” moments, the creative genius, the mysterious muse, and even basic enthusiasm (which comes from the word meaning “from the gods,” by the way) — are examples of how we keep reaching for spiritual words in creative conversations. I believe this is because being an artist means standing on the precipice of something mystical.
For the purposes of this book (and Artists for Joy events), spirituality need not necessarily mean religion. It means that to some, but not all. To me, the word spiritual signifies anything concerning internal experience, from your inner dialogue or mindset to what you believe to be true about the nature of the universe. In my groups over the years, I have seen artists from completely different sides of the religious/spiritual spectrum speak honestly about these topics without judgment, using their artistry as a common ground to stand on. Their openness has helped me expand my own vocabulary, and I hope the diversity and inclusiveness of these relationships come through in this book to meet you wherever you are.
I have greatly benefited from naming the source of creative inspiration as something outside of myself, and I call that force Spirit or God. These topics will come up, and I hope you will see the discussion as an invitation. Claim your creation and creativity story and state the words you use for the creative force, whether you believe it is within or without. Regardless of your faith, background, or tradition, this naming and reflecting are valuable tools for creative recovery. I hope you will take what is helpful, follow anything that leads you to more freedom and joy, and leave the rest.