About

CAA Code of Member Conduct

Introduction and Mission

See official mission, vision, and value statements here.

CAA, as the preeminent international leadership organization in the visual arts, promotes these arts and their understanding through advocacy, intellectual engagement, and a commitment to the diversity of practices and practitioners.

Representing a diverse community of visual-arts professionals, CAA promotes:

• Originality and excellence in the creation, interpretation, and teaching of visual arts;
• Contributions to society by visual-arts professionals;
• Exchange and dissemination of diverse artistic and scholarly viewpoints, nationally and internationally;
• Support, collaboration, and advocacy for professionals in the fields of art, art history, design, and visual studies;
• Ethical standards and practices in the visual arts.

The CAA Code of Member Conduct aims to define and promote high standards of professional practice. The goals of this code are to:

• Define both acceptable and unacceptable standards of behavior
• Provide a benchmark for behavioral evaluation
• Ensure transparency in community and group management
• Ensure an environment where people can participate and collaborate without fear of harassment or discrimination
• Reinforce the organizational values of CAA and identity and establish a culture of care

These standards are intended to ensure that all contributors to CAA promote CAA’s mission and maintain a professional and respectful environment. They apply to all activities and interactions among contributors involved in CAA, whether within or outside the scope of CAA activities. In turn, this policy will help ensure a safe environment promote accountability, allow CAA to address unacceptable behavior, and provide redress where incidents/unacceptable behaviors are observed and reported. CAA also expects participants to avoid the unacceptable behaviors listed below; failure to do so constitutes a violation of the Code of Member Conduct and can result in the consequences listed in Section VI.

Our Values

CAA supports those who study, teach, write about, advocate for and/or create art and design. The Association honors human diversity and acknowledges the extraordinary range of backgrounds, cultures, perspectives, work styles, education, expertise, skills, and experiences that make the advancement of art and design integral to culture.

Of paramount importance to CAA is the promotion of equity and inclusion within the art and academic fields. As the Association strengthens and builds its programs, committees, staff, and boards, it aspires to foster an inclusive culture welcoming of visible and invisible differences, including but not limited to: age, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, language differences, nationality, parental status, physical, mental, and developmental abilities, race, religion, sexual orientation, skin color, socioeconomic status, and social styles.

The Association defines inclusion as a collaborative work-in-progress. It encourages all CAA constituents to embrace and adopt the ongoing practice of inclusion while advancing art and design.

CAA is committed to maintaining a positive professional environment for which we all share responsibility. Ensuring that your behavior does not have a negative impact is your responsibility. CAA expects all of its members and participants to adhere to the expected behaviors stated below.

Application of the Code

The Code of Member Conduct applies to any member of the CAA community, including but not limited to members, staff, invited experts, vendors, participants, and attendees in all CAA activities. These activities include but are not limited to: virtual and in-person meetings, functions, conferences, CAA collaborative work within our Microsoft Teams environment, and social media platforms. CAA membership and/or participation in its virtual and in-person meetings, conferences, and events constitute an agreement to adhere to the Code of Member Conduct.

These policies also cover participant conduct in all professional and educational settings and related environments. These may include, but are not limited to:

• Any professional workplace, networking event, or activity;
• Conferences, meetings, workshops, tutorials, discussion panels, and other activities at CAA-affiliated meetings, in-person and virtual;
• Oversight and adjudication of written and verbal communications;
• Informal spaces where there are social activities with CAA members;
• Informal and professional social networking websites and online platforms

Violation of the following CAA policies may potentially violate CAA’s Code of Member Conduct:

• CAA By-Laws and Governance Handbook
• CAA Statement on Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality

Note that this code complements rather than replaces any other applicable policy, agreement, legal right, or obligation for any member of the CAA community.

Expected Behaviors

All CAA members and participants should adhere to the following behaviors at all times. Non-adherence can be reported and may potentially result in the consequences described in section VI of this Code.

Members and participants in all professional, social, and educational settings covered by the Code of Member Conduct shall:

• Treat all members, staff, invited experts, service providers, participants, and attendees with respect, empathy, consideration, and professionalism, valuing a diversity of views and opinions.
• Communicate openly with respect for others, be open to new perspectives, and critique ideas rather than individuals. Be aware of how much time is taken up by dominant members and make space for others. Members shall avoid personal attacks directed toward other CAA members, staff, invited experts, vendors, participants, and attendees.
• Consider the needs of others from their point of view and work to eliminate your own biases, prejudices, and discriminatory practices.
• Commit to the highest standards of objectivity and transparency concerning credentials, qualifications, and conflicts of interest.
• Acknowledge the contributions of your peers, and do not attempt to injure the reputation of or professional opportunities for others by false, biased, or undocumented claims.
• Adhere to CAA policies.
• Respect the rules and policies of all meeting/event venues and any other applicable meeting or generally applicable codes of conduct.
• Act to uphold CAA’s interests and reputation.
• Give others fair, inclusive, and equitable consideration, regardless of any category or characteristic, including but not limited to age, body size, creed, educational background, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, social styles, immigration status, language differences, marital status, military service or veteran status, nationality, parental status, physical appearance, physical, mental, and developmental abilities, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, skin color, socioeconomic status, or any other personal characteristic protected by applicable local, state or federal employment laws.

Prohibited Behaviors

Behaviors that are prohibited and which may result in consequences when a violation of the Code of Member Conduct is found include, but are not limited to:

• Harassment in any form, including but not limited to sexual harassment, denigrating jokes, stereotyping, or a recurring pattern of microinvalidations, microassaults, microaggressions, or microinsults;
• Physical abuse, intimidation, disregard for another’s safety, as well as intentional, unwelcome physical behaviors (in-person or remotely), including but not limited to stalking, physical contact, simulated physical contact, and aggressive or intimidating displays and/or body language;
• Verbal or written abuse, intimidation (in-person or remotely), use of coded language, or deliberate outing of an aspect of someone’s identity, including but not limited to: harmful or negative comments related to age, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, language differences, nationality, parental status, physical, mental, and developmental abilities, race, religion, sexual orientation, skin color, socioeconomic status, and social styles.
• Violating previously communicated (verbally or nonverbally) physical, emotional, and sexual boundaries of others through the continuation of otherwise prohibited behaviors or through verbal or written comments founded on any personal aspect of another individual;
• Displaying or distributing of images or recordings involving provocative behavior, bigotry, nudity, sexual activities, or physical force against oneself, another person, or a community, including inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images in public spaces—whether physical or virtual—or in presentations. “Inappropriate use” is defined as outside the realm of art or scholarship and/or distributed to an individual outside of a group educational setting
• Threatening (implied or actual) physical, emotional, professional, or financial harm, including threatening or stalking any member, CAA staff member, invited expert, vendor, service provider, other meeting guest, or anyone participating in any other CAA community spaces online or in person;
• Photographing, recording, or videotaping of others and/or the dissemination or distribution of photographs, recordings, and videotapings of others without their consent;
• Violating the intellectual property or plagiarizing the scholarship of others.
• Entering the scholarship and images created by others into a Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI, or Large Learning Model (LLM) product without permission or using a free version of a GAI/LLM product that uses the intellectual property of others to train the GAI/LLM program without the originator’s consent.
• In submitting content to or presenting content through CAA, violating the intellectual property rights of other artists and creators when using GAI technologies, including copyrights, trademarks, and other rights
• In submitting content to or presenting content through CAA, using GAI to copy or mimic the unique styles, voices, or other distinctive attributes of other writers’ works in ways that significantly alter or harm the works.
• Engaging in the following prohibited behaviors related to communications:
• Disrespectful communication that does not support the communication and discussion of the topic at hand;
• Directly reproducing visual materials or content (e.g., posting of photos of slides or posters) unless permission has been obtained from the presenter or if they have already made this information freely available in an open-source forum.
• Copying or taking screenshots of session recordings, Q&A, or session chat activity taking place in the virtual space unless the presenter has given explicit permission to share the content.
• Sharing presentations, postings, and messages that contain promotional materials, special offers, job offers, product announcements, or a solicitation for services that have not been expressly approved through a partnership agreement.
• Sharing inappropriate political content, which is defined as content outside the realm of art or scholarship and/or distributed to an individual outside of a group educational setting. Distributing political campaign materials at CAA conferences or through CAA communication channels is prohibited.
• Using the CAA Network and CAA Membership Directories for political campaigns or other vendor solicitation purposes.
• Sustained disruption of discussion or repeatedly asking disingenuous questions under the guise of sincerity.
• Accepting inappropriate favors, such as bribery, excessive gifts, line jumping, or playing favorites, from members, staff, invited experts, vendors, participants, attendees, or any other member of the CAA community or broader public;
• Violating any CAA policy identified in Section III as applicable to the CAA community;
• Retaliating during or after the reporting process by any individual involved in a potential violation of the Code of Member Conduct, including the reporting party/target/victim, witnesses, and those reported to have engaged in prohibited behavior(s); and
• Inciting, encouraging, or condoning prohibited behavior, as listed in this section, including but not limited to harassment in any form;
• Any other behaviors that may reasonably be assumed to have the effect of creating, contributing to, or maintaining an environment that is hostile toward or damaging to a person or group.

Reporting Process

Any CAA member or participant in a CAA-sponsored event or activity can report harmful behavior or a potential violation of this code to the Accountability Officer via email or designated reporting form, or in person or by email to any member of the CAA staff.

When responding to a report, CAA will prioritize respecting each person’s safety and confidentiality while protecting the CAA environment. CAA has contracted with an external Accountability Officer to offer confidential reporting to CAA participants who feel uncomfortable making an internal complaint. The reporting party’s identity will be kept confidential if they so wish until and unless disclosure is needed to address the problem, and they agree to disclose their identity or if a legal process compels disclosure.

There is no absolute deadline or statute of limitations for reporting potential violations to CAA (including violations that occurred before this code was established). Reporting parties are encouraged to come forward at any time so that any harm to reporting parties may be addressed and that a safe and inclusive environment for all members can be maintained.

CAA will ensure the timely investigation of reported allegations. A report submitted in writing to the Accountability Officer will be acknowledged and reviewed in a timely manner. At the reporting party’s request and if appropriate, the Accountability Officer will initiate a preliminary investigation and recommend to the Committee whether to continue with a full investigation.

Consequences for a violation of the code may include, but are not limited to:

• a verbal or written request to cease and desist conduct in violation of the code;
• removal of messages and solicitations and banning the sources of those solicitations;
• removal from a conference, associated hotel accommodations, a meeting, a room, or an event, virtual or in-person, without warning or refund and at cost to the attendee; or a ban on future attendance at conferences or events;
• limiting rights to participate in CAA activities, committees, or leadership for a specified time, including specified remedial actions;
• suspending members from CAA leadership or membership for a designated time or with conditions for participation, up to and including expulsion from CAA membership.

These reporting procedures have been developed to ensure the following values embodied in the Code of Member Conduct (Code) are upheld and reinforced:

• That those who experience harm or who witness potential violations of the Code while participating and collaborating within CAA are encouraged to report what they have experienced and observed so that the reported conduct may be promptly addressed in a confidential manner that limits retaliation;
• That those accused of potential Code violations have the opportunity to respond to the report of prohibited conduct in an evidence-based, procedurally fair process and have their response considered by neutral and unbiased decision-makers;
• That the consequences for engaging in prohibited behavior are proportional to the harm caused and play a preventative role in protecting the safety of community members and promoting the desired organizational culture of care and
• That CAA’s process for addressing reported violations of the Code is transparent, simple to use, promotes reporting, limits the spread of rumors and innuendo, and is procedurally fair to all involved parties.

The reporting procedures are based upon best practices adopted by similar organizations to implement and enforce organizational codes of conduct:

• promptly after harm is observed or reported;
• efficiently without excessive burden to the parties or decision-makers; and
• effectively to deter harm and promote a safe, welcoming community.

Guidelines for Respectful Engagement

In the spirit of community and collaboration, we have compiled the CAA Guidelines for Respectful Engagement to educate and raise the standard of excellence for participation. This document is a complement to the CAA Code of Member Conduct and is not meant to replace or negate any other CAA policy or agreement. Any behavior contrary to these guidelines can be reported and may potentially result in consequences described in section VI of the CAA Code of Member Conduct. These guidelines are a living document; as we continue to learn and grow as a community, we will make additions and edits as necessary.

• Treat each other with respect, professionalism, fairness, and sensitivity to our many differences and strengths, including in situations of high pressure and urgency. We are a large community of people passionate about our work, sometimes holding strong opinions and beliefs. We are always committed to dealing with each other with courtesy, respect, and dignity. Not understanding why someone holds a viewpoint does not mean they are wrong. Misunderstandings and disagreements do happen. When conflicts arise, we are expected to resolve them while maintaining courtesy, respect, and dignity, even when emotions are heightened.
• Appreciate and accommodate our similarities and differences. We come from many cultures and backgrounds, ways of life, and standards of behavior. Cultural differences can encompass everything from official religious observances to personal habits to clothing. Be respectful of people with different practices, attitudes, and beliefs. To help us achieve and maintain these high standards, each individual is expected to share responsibility for our work environment by adhering to the behavioral guidelines herein.
• Have empathy when discussing sensitive issues. Some participants may have experienced (or been subjected to) various forms of violence in their lives, which may cause distress when they are reminded of it. For example, avoid making jokes or callously mentioning sexual violence such as stalking or sexual assault; in cases when the need arises to discuss sensitive issues and how they affect people, do so with tact and empathy, taking into account the gravity of the situation. Also, ensure that participants are appropriately warned in advance so they can choose to step out of these discussions.
• Be thoughtful in communications. Be truthful, sincere, forthright, and (unless professional duties require confidentiality or special discretion), candid, straightforward, and frank.
• Be open to new perspectives and give back to the community by sharing your knowledge and experience. It is important to be open to new perspectives, even when these may not align with your own. In turn, you should give back by being open about sharing your expertise. This way, our rich community can learn from one another.
• Be inclusive and promote diversity. Seek diverse perspectives. Diversity of views and people powers innovation, even if it is not always comfortable. Encourage all voices. Help new perspectives be heard and listen actively. Provide alternative ways to contribute. CAA is built on collaboration, and every opportunity/interaction should be a way for all members to contribute to the organization.
• Be aware of how much time is taken up by dominant members of the group. If you notice that a single voice—which may be your own—is dominating conversation, attempt to bring others into the discussion by asking for their opinions or thoughts.
• Be aware that displays of affection may complicate professional relationships. For some cultures, an overtly friendly disposition toward another participant involving body contact (e.g., hugging, touching on the arm or shoulder, or kissing) is uncommon and may be perceived as an invasion of personal space or as unwelcome advances.
• Work to eliminate your own biases, prejudices, and discriminatory practices, including microaggressions, which are small comments or questions, either intentional or unintentional, that marginalize people by communicating hostile, derogatory, or harmful beliefs. Examples include:
  • Patronizing language or behavior:
    • Be aware that, regardless of the speaker's intentions, some phrases or constructions lead people to expect a patronizing statement to follow and avoid such phrases. For example, beginning an interjection with "Well, actually..." can set this expectation and be taken as a sign of disrespect.
    • Assuming that particular people or groups need concepts defined or explained to them. It’s great to be sensitive to the fact that people may not be familiar with the technical terms you use daily, but assuming that people are uninformed can come across as patronizing.
    • Assuming that particular groups of people are technically unskilled (e.g., “So easy your grandmother could do it”).
  • Repeatedly interrupting or talking over someone else.
  • Shaming. For example, expressing surprise at someone’s lack of knowledge or awareness about a topic.
  • The use of racially charged language to describe an individual or thing.
  • Referring to an individual in a way that demeans or challenges the validity of their identity, such as racial identity.
  • Mocking someone’s actual or perceived accent or first language.
• Think of others’ needs from their point of view. Use preferred names, titles (including pronouns), and the appropriate tone of voice. Therefore, be formal and conservative in what you do and liberal in what you accept from others.
• Reasonable communication of boundaries is welcomed and encouraged, such as “leave me alone,” “go away,” or “I’m not discussing this with you,” even if those words feel harsh to the recipient.
• Prioritize the content of an interaction rather than the tone of voice, which is subjective and may be perceived differently by different individuals.
• Acknowledge the contributions of your peers. Proper attribution is essential to maintaining a vibrant, trusted community.
• Accommodate participants' needs for physical distancing and other accommodations or precautions due to health concerns such as immune deficiency, allergies, or chemical sensitivity.
• Be sensitive to language differences. English is the default language of CAA. However, many of us are not native English speakers. Many participants speak English as a second (or third) language. People who communicate in non-native languages often struggle to understand fast or quiet speech and may speak louder than usual when communicating in their native tongue. If someone struggles to express their thoughts, help ensure their ideas are adequately expressed, heard, and considered thoroughly.
  • Name pronunciation may seem difficult. If you are unsure about how to pronounce someone's name, reach out and ask them, even if you have to do it on multiple occasions.
• Respect confidentiality and privacy. Sometimes, matters we discuss may fall under various confidentiality agreements, and strict adherence to these agreements is expected. In addition, certain pieces of information disclosed in a group setting may be private in nature, or we may inadvertently learn confidential information accidentally disclosed by other participants. Please exercise good judgment and make reasonable efforts to protect the privacy and confidentiality of all participants.

The CAA Guidelines for Respectful Engagement were inspired by language in the GA4GH Code of Ethics and Community Conduct, as further refined by Paula Brantner of Accountability Ignited.

This Code of Ethics and Community Conduct is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license.