"What we are discussing should also be reviewed internally"

Fabienne Schellenberg, how did you come to decide to focus on the topic of opportunity?

At our organisation, we address social phenomena and issues that concern the public. Originally, we wanted to organise a panel discussion as part of our autumn focus on ‘Resources’ to address the issue of inequality of opportunity, but as we looked into it more closely and began our research, it became clear to us that the topic was far too broad and important to be covered in a single panel discussion. That is why we decided to devote the whole of spring and beyond to this topic.

You are being supported by experts during this period. Why was it important to you to also look within Karl itself?

It is important to me that everything we communicate externally and debate publicly should also be discussed and examined internally within our team and our organisation. The same applied, for example, to the ‘Resources’ focus, which was about using our resources in an energy-saving and efficient manner, whether in terms of energy consumption or human resources.

What have you learnt so far in this process?

As a socio-cultural institution with a mandate to be accessible to everyone, we have realised that part of the population cannot reach us at all due to various barriers. We would like to change this.

Where is there room for improvement?

Above all, we have realised that we still have a lot to learn and need to work on many levels to achieve our goal of being an inclusive organisation. It is an ongoing process, just like the changes in our society. Our listed 8th-century building presents us with structural challenges that we must tackle. Even if this means we cannot implement everything: one example of something we will be doing soon is the purchase of a wheelchair-accessible lift for the stage. We have also recognised that our signage is inadequate. And that we need to implement gender-sensitive and accessible communication so that everyone can benefit equally from our venue – regardless of origin, gender, education, social status or disability.

Where are you already doing well?

We are delighted that so many people are following our discussions and debates via livestream from home. This allows people to take part in events without being physically present, which is particularly important for those with health restrictions. We have already received very positive feedback on this.

At the first panel discussion on equal opportunities, you pointed out in your opening remarks that discriminatory behaviour is not tolerated at the Karl and that, if necessary, you would personally escort people out of the building to ensure this is enforced. Why was this message important to you?

As a matter of principle, we do not tolerate discriminatory behaviour or discriminatory remarks on our premises. It is important that, as an institution, we actively combat discrimination and ensure that everyone is treated with respect here. We are also in the process of developing and implementing clear rules and measures against discriminatory behaviour so that we can ensure respectful conduct within our premises.

Which three events in the coming weeks and months would you particularly like to recommend to KulturZüri readers?