Charter of Commitment and Operation of Collectif ARGIA

English translation of the French original. In case of discrepancy, the French version prevails.

1. Identity and mission: a cultural association promoting contemporary photography.

Collectif ARGIA is an association dedicated to developing and promoting contemporary photography, with the aim of placing human beings, their environment, territories and cultures at the centre of its gaze.

Through its cultural events, its programming, its exhibitions, its encounters and the Three Crowns Photography Festival, the collective strives to encourage in-depth dialogue about human realities.

The Collectif ARGIA project rests on the conviction that the diversity of perspectives, sensibilities and photographic languages is an essential artistic asset.

Beyond visual production, the collective attaches the utmost importance to the quality of relationships between its members, volunteers, guest artists, partners and audiences.

2. Fundamental principles and ethical framework

Collectif ARGIA is committed to developing and fostering artistic expression and mutual respect. Our code of ethics requires:

• Absolute respect for human dignity and the integrity of individuals.
• The defence of freedom of artistic expression and the recognition of a plurality of viewpoints.
• A respectful, caring and professional welcome for all audiences.
• Zero tolerance for discrimination: The collective takes a firm and unequivocal stand against all forms of discrimination, harassment, violence (physical or verbal) and degrading behaviour. All forms of proselytising and any vehicle of hateful propaganda are also strictly prohibited within our spaces of creation and exhibition.

3. Commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI)

ARGIA’s EDI commitment is intrinsically linked to its humanist vocation. It takes the form of concrete actions aimed at representativeness and openness:

• Universal accessibility: We work to make our events and activities accessible to as many people as possible, by removing physical and social barriers to cultural participation.
• Inclusive representation: The collective ensures the diversity of the people represented.
• Ethics of the image: Photographic practice within ARGIA is based on the production of responsible images. This means respecting subjects, systematically obtaining consent and categorically rejecting reductive or stigmatising stereotypes.

4. Collective life and shared responsibility

ARGIA’s operation is based on an ethic of responsibility that binds each stakeholder (members of the collective, volunteers, guest artists, partners and audiences) to maintaining a healthy environment:

• Respect for diverse approaches: The collective protects the plurality of artistic approaches while guaranteeing an environment founded on listening and constructive dialogue.
• Individual and legal responsibility: Each photographer remains fully responsible for their artistic statement and their images.
• Collective momentum: Everyone involved is invited to take an active part in the life of the collective, to nurture a shared project that is open and inclusive.

5. Mediation and prevention of inappropriate behaviour

To ensure that its commitments last, the collective establishes an essential regulatory function. The EDI and mediation contact person plays a pivotal role as facilitator:

• They support exchanges and act as guarantor of dialogue between the various participants.
• They coordinate actions to prevent inappropriate or toxic behaviour.
• They ensure the diligent, serious and confidential handling of sensitive or conflictual situations, in order to preserve the integrity of the collective framework.

6. Commitment and evolution of the framework

This charter is an evolving document intended to accompany the growth of the collective and its festival.

Taking part in the activities of Collectif ARGIA, whatever the participant’s status, constitutes full and complete acknowledgement of these principles. Respect for these commitments will make it possible for us to live together and for our cultural projects to succeed.