Updated 10/2025
Mänttä Music Festival Guidelines for Preventing Inappropriate Behavior and Harassment
The Mänttä Music Festival is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and equitable environment for all employees, artists, students, volunteers, and audience members. Everyone has the right to be treated with respect, and everyone is also responsible for their own behavior.
1. Principles
- Any form of inappropriate treatment, harassment, discrimination, bullying, or other offensive behavior is prohibited.
- The Mänttä Music Festival has a zero-tolerance policy regarding inappropriate behavior.
- A safe environment means respecting others, listening to them, and engaging in constructive interaction — even in busy and stressful situations.
2. Inappropriate behavior may include, for example
- repeated belittling, verbal abuse, or humiliation
- unwanted physical contact or sexual harassment
- discrimination based on gender, ethnic background, age, language, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or other personal characteristics
- threatening, isolating, or violent behavior
- unjustified dismissal of work or artistic performance
3. Prevention
- All employees, artists, and volunteers will receive orientation on these guidelines before the festival.
- The festival’s equality and non-discrimination plan guides our operations and decision-making.
- The management team and producers are responsible for maintaining a safe environment, addressing inappropriate behavior, and offering support.
- If necessary, a safety officer may also be appointed to whom individuals can confidentially report any inappropriate behavior they have experienced.
4. Guidelines for Dealing with Inappropriate Behavior
- De-escalate the situation — if possible, calmly point out that the behavior is inappropriate.
- Document the incident — take notes on what happened (time, place, people involved, details of what happened).
- Report the matter immediately to one of the following:
- the festival’s executive director
- the producer or the nearest supervisor
- designated safety officer (names and contact information are provided annually in the festival guidelines)
- All situations will be handled confidentially and with respect for the privacy of those involved.
- If the behavior constitutes a criminal offense, the festival will refer the matter to the authorities if necessary.
5. Consequences and Measures
Inappropriate behavior will always be addressed. Measures may include, for example:
- a discussion and guidance
- a written warning or a disciplinary action related to employment
- suspension of cooperation or termination of the agreement in serious cases
6. Shared Responsibility
Creating a safe and respectful work environment is our shared responsibility. The Mänttä Music Festival encourages openness and urges everyone to speak up if they experience or notice inappropriate behavior. A responsible and safe operating culture is an essential part of the festival’s artistic and ethical quality.