Two-Day PoSH Awareness Program for Artists – Kalakshetra Foundation, Chennai
PENN Trust conducted a two-day customized PoSH Awareness Program at the renowned Kalakshetra Foundation for its teaching, non-teaching staff and students from dance, music, and fine arts departments.
This was not a standard POSH session. PENN designed the entire content specifically for artists, after studying the realities of artistic learning spaces — posture correction, costume trials, green rooms, rehearsals, auditions, tours, and close physical guidance during training.
The program was facilitated by Dr. Gopalakrishnan and Dr. Swathi Praveen, supported by Ms. Jayachithra and Mr. Geo Milton, with continuous guidance from Trustees Mr. V.S. Sridhar and Mrs. Swarnalatha Mahesh.
Advisory Board members Ms.Revathi and Ms.Sabitha IAS interacted with students, sharing powerful insights on safety, awareness, and personal responsibility in artistic environments.
Why POSH for Artists Needed a Different Approach
Using customized material developed for Kalakshetra
PENN translated POSH into the language of art:
- Intent vs Consent in posture correction
- Safety in green rooms, costume areas, and rehearsal halls
- Risks during auditions, tours, late rehearsals, and performances
- Professional boundaries during physical guidance in dance, music, sculpture, pottery
- Digital etiquette in academy WhatsApp groups and online classes
- Understanding that students, guest artists, interns, volunteers are also protected under POSH
- Role of support staff in maintaining respectful spaces
- Emoji and communication misuse in artistic communities
- “POSH or Not?” scenarios drawn from real artistic situations
Day 1 – Staff Session (Teaching & Non-Teaching)
The first day focused on faculty and support staff. Discussions were candid and reflective. Participants appreciated how the examples directly mirrored their day-to-day environment inside the academy.
The Director and staff specifically acknowledged the depth of customization for artists and the clarity on how routine artistic practices can cross boundaries when intent and consent are ignored.
Day 2 – Students Session (Dance, Music, Fine Arts)
The second day engaged students with high energy and openness. Many shared that this was the first time POSH was explained in a way that matched their artistic reality.
The interaction with Revathi ma’am and Sabitha ma’am added lived perspectives on how young artists can safeguard themselves while pursuing their passion.
What Made This Program Unique
Content customized exclusively for artistic disciplines
Legal accuracy blended with behavioural and psychological clarity
Real scenarios from dance studios, performances, and tours
Strong emphasis on boundaries: physical, verbal, digital, emotional
Practical guidance on what to do if something happens
Clear understanding of Internal Committee role and confidentiality
Special appreciation was recorded for the content development effort led by Dr. Swathi and Ms. Jayachithra under the guidance of Dr. Gopalakrishnan and Mrs. Swarnalatha Mahesh, ensuring the program remained legally sound yet artist-relevant.
Impact Observed
Staff gained clarity on safe teaching practices during posture correction
Students understood how to differentiate professional guidance from discomfort
Increased awareness of safety in green rooms, tours, and auditions
Confidence among participants to speak up and report concerns
Recognition that artistic freedom is complete only when safety is ensured
