SAFE SPACE opens the call

On 16 October 2023, the University of Groningen and Hanzehogeschool, in collaboration with Time Out Foundation, organised the interactive theatre performance SAFE SPACE for students and staff. This performance was all about social safety and provided a space for open, honest conversations about personal boundaries, mutual respect, and approachability.

Complex social interactions

Based on recognisable scenes from student life – together with students, lecturers, actors and the audience – the discussion turned to questions such as:

• What exactly is social safety?

• How do you recognise the moment when your boundaries are crossed?

• How do you prevent yourself from crossing someone else's boundaries?

• And how do you discuss this with each other?

The performance showed how complex social interactions can be, but also how much power there is in openness, reflection, and daring to name what is uncomfortable. Afterwards, participants could take part in in-depth workshops by GELIJKSPEL and Hizzou, which explored the themes in more depth.

Making it negotiable

The cooperation between Hanze University's Diversity & Inclusion Working Group and the UG's Social Safety Programme Team shows how important it is to make these kinds of issues discussable across sectors - with students and staff together.

‘SAFE SPACE made room for discomfort as well as connection. That is precisely the power of dialogue.’ - Anne-Marie Petter, social safety programme manager