In the Spring cycle the poisons, the remedies, we started from the premise that reparative processes are necessary for individual and collective healing in regards to violences on institutional and interpersonal levels. It’s in the aftermath of harm that opportunities to respond and demonstrate accountability reveal themselves: by apologizing – for starters – and making a contribution (both material and immaterial) towards repair and a commitment to changed behavior for the long haul. Yet there is more. Healing from harm and preventing harm are entangled processes to build our collective strength against oppression. We need models that hold both our grief and joy.

Preventive frameworks and practices can help to strengthen the protective factors of our institutions and relationships (spaces where we feel heard, safe, affirmed, and also accountable). We find that the only way forward in transforming our work with art institutions toward deep mutual understanding is to organize from a survivor-centered and accountable approach. We also think broadening notions of political and interpersonal intimacies and poetics can be part of our preventive model. These two sessions with Wxtch Craft explore how language can aid between the (un)known and ready to be named.