The Journey of the Secret Artist
Version 1.0
Effective Date: 02/08/2026

 

 

Welcome

The Journey of the Secret Artist was created to provide a welcoming, supportive and creative
environment where adults can explore their creativity, build confidence and form genuine
friendships.
Our workshops are about much more than producing artwork—they are about creating a
space where everyone feels comfortable, respected and encouraged.

This Code of Conduct explains the standards of behaviour expected from everyone attending
our workshops.

By attending a workshop, you agree to help us maintain the welcoming atmosphere that
makes our community special.

Our Community Values

We ask every participant to help create an environment that is:

• Welcoming
• Friendly
• Inclusive
• Respectful
• Patient
• Encouraging
• Supportive
• Safe

We believe creativity flourishes when people feel accepted and free from judgement.

Respect for Others

Every participant deserves to feel comfortable.

Please:

• Treat everyone with kindness.
• Listen respectfully.
• Celebrate other people’s achievements.
• Encourage beginners.
• Respect different opinions.
• Respect different artistic styles.
• Respect personal space.
• Use polite language.

Everyone attends for different reasons.
Some may come to improve their art.
Others may simply want company and conversation.
All reasons are equally valued.

There Is No Competition

Our workshops are not competitions.

There is:

• no grading;
• no judging;
• no comparison;
• no expectation of perfection.

Everyone learns at their own pace.
Every piece of artwork is unique.
Encouragement Instead of Criticism
Constructive advice should only be offered when invited.

Unsolicited criticism can reduce confidence and negatively affect another participant’s
experience.

Instead, we encourage participants to:

• ask questions;
• share ideas;
• offer encouragement;
• celebrate progress.
Inclusive Community

Everyone is welcome regardless of:

• artistic ability;
• age (18+);
• background;
• disability;
• ethnicity;
• religion;
• gender;
• sexual orientation;
• life experience.

Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated.

Respecting the Venue

Please help us care for the venues that kindly host our workshops.
Participants should:

• keep work areas tidy;
• dispose of rubbish appropriately;
• use equipment responsibly;
• report spillages promptly;
• follow venue instructions;
• respect furniture and facilities.

Mobile Phones

We encourage participants to enjoy a break from everyday distractions.
Mobile phones should be kept on silent wherever possible.
Of course, we understand that emergencies occasionally arise.

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Photography

Please respect the privacy of others.
Always ask permission before photographing another participant or their artwork.

Photography for promotional purposes will only be undertaken where appropriate consent has
been obtained.

Refreshments

Complimentary tea, coffee and light refreshments are provided to help create a relaxed and
welcoming atmosphere.

Please:

• advise us of any allergies;
• leave kitchen areas tidy;
• dispose of cups and plates responsibly.

Health & Safety

Participants agree to:

• follow safety instructions;
• use equipment correctly;
• report hazards;
• notify us of accidents immediately;
• assist in maintaining a safe environment.

Behaviour We Cannot Accept

To protect our community, the following behaviour may result in removal from a workshop
without refund:

• bullying;
• harassment;
• discrimination;
• threatening behaviour;
• abusive language;
• intimidation;
• deliberate damage;
• repeated disruption;
• intoxication;
• illegal activity.

These behaviours are inconsistent with the values of The Journey of the Secret Artist.

Looking After One Another

One of our core values is kindness.
If you notice someone attending alone, feeling nervous or unsure, a simple conversation can
make all the difference.
Many participants attend our workshops hoping to meet new people.
A smile and a friendly hello can help someone feel they belong.

Our Community Promise

When you attend The Journey of the Secret Artist, you become part of a creative community.

Together we can create workshops where:

• strangers become friends;
• confidence grows;
• creativity is celebrated;
• everyone feels welcome.

That is the experience we hope every participant takes home.

If Problems Arise

If another participant’s behaviour makes you uncomfortable, please speak to the workshop
facilitator privately.

Concerns will always be treated respectfully and, where appropriate, confidentially.
We will do our best to resolve issues fairly while maintaining a welcoming environment for
everyone.

Thank You

Thank you for helping us create the supportive community that The Journey of the Secret
Artist stands for.

Together, we can make every workshop a place where people feel inspired, connected and
encouraged to return.

Founder’s Message

“The Journey of the Secret Artist began with a simple hope: to create a place where people
could slow down, reconnect with their creativity and, perhaps most importantly, find
friendship and belonging. Every person who walks through our doors helps shape that
community. Thank you for being part of it.”

Kayleigh Martin
Founder
The Journey of the Secret Artist