Creating a space for everyone

MEME is built around music, creativity, connection, and community. We want everyone who comes through our gates—artists, audiences, volunteers, vendors, crew, and staff—to feel welcome, respected, and safe.
Our Code of Conduct is rooted in care, consent, respect, accountability, and harm reduction. We recognize that creating a safer festival environment is a shared responsibility, and we ask everyone to contribute to a culture where people look out for one another.

 

Our Code of Conduct

At MEME, we expect everyone to:

  • Treat others with respect, regardless of gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, ability, age, religion, or background.
  • Respect personal boundaries and ask for consent before physical contact.
  • Respect a person’s right to say no, change their mind, or leave a situation at any time.
  • Be mindful of your impact on others, especially in crowded spaces.
  • Respect artists, performers, volunteers, staff, vendors, and other festival-goers.
  • Follow directions from festival staff, security, medical personnel, and harm reduction teams.
  • Respect the festival site, neighbouring community, artwork, equipment, and shared spaces.
  • Help create an environment where people feel comfortable asking for help.

 

We don’t tolerate harassment or violence

Harassment, discrimination, intimidation, unwanted sexual attention, assault, threats, or violence are not welcome at MEME.
This includes behaviour in person, online, or through unwanted photography, recording, messages, or physical contact.
If you experience or witness behaviour that makes you or someone else feel unsafe, please reach out to a MEME staff member, security team member, or harm reduction worker.
We will take concerns seriously and respond as appropriately as we can. Depending on the situation, this may include asking someone to leave the event or involving emergency services or law enforcement when necessary.

 

Consent matters

Consent should be freely given, informed, enthusiastic, and ongoing.
A person being at a festival, dancing with someone, flirting, kissing, or having previously agreed to something does not mean they have consented to anything else.
Consent can be withdrawn at any time.
If you’re unsure, ask.
And if someone says no, moves away, seems uncomfortable, or changes their mind, respect that immediately.

 

Harm Reduction

MEME recognizes that people make different choices when it comes to alcohol and other substances. Our goal is not to judge people—we want people to have the information, support, and resources they need to make safer choices.
Our harm reduction approach includes:

  • On-site harm reduction support
  • Staff and volunteers available to help connect people with assistance
  • Access to water and places to take a break
  • Support for anyone who is feeling overwhelmed, unwell, or unsafe
  • Information about safer substance use and looking after yourself and your friends
  • Emergency medical support when needed

 

Look out for yourself and your friends

If you’re drinking or using substances:

  • Pace yourself and know your limits.
  • Stay hydrated and take breaks from dancing and the heat.
  • Eat throughout the day.
  • Keep an eye on your friends and make sure you know how to find them.
  • Avoid mixing substances when possible.
  • Never drive impaired. Plan your ride home before you arrive.
  • If something doesn’t feel right, ask for help.

There is no shame in asking for help. You will not get in trouble for seeking medical assistance for yourself or someone else.

 

If someone is unwell

If you think someone may be experiencing a medical emergency, get help immediately.
Stay with them if it is safe to do so and alert a MEME staff member, security person, harm reduction worker, or medical team.
Don’t leave someone alone because you’re worried about getting in trouble.
Getting help quickly can save a life.

 

Look out for each other

You don’t have to be someone’s best friend to help.
If you notice someone who looks uncomfortable, lost, unwell, or overwhelmed, check in if it feels safe to do so. Sometimes a simple “Hey, are you okay?” can make a big difference.
If you don’t feel comfortable intervening yourself, find a MEME staff member or harm reduction worker and let them know what’s happening.

 

Taking care of the space

MEME is a shared environment. Please help us take care of the festival site and the people around you.

  • Dispose of garbage and recycling properly.
  • Respect artwork and installations.
  • Give performers and artists the space to do their work.
  • Respect neighbouring businesses, residents, and public spaces.
  • Follow site signage and staff instructions.
  • Keep pathways, exits, and emergency access points clear.

 

Photography & privacy

MEME is a public event and photography and video may take place throughout the festival.
Please be mindful when photographing or recording other people. Avoid deliberately filming someone who has asked not to be recorded, particularly in sensitive situations.
If someone asks you not to photograph or record them, please respect their request.

 

Reporting an incident

If you experience or witness harassment, discrimination, violence, unwanted sexual contact, or another situation that makes you feel unsafe, please tell a member of the MEME team.
You can approach:

  • Festival staff
  • Security
  • Harm reduction workers
  • A volunteer who can help connect you with the appropriate team

You don’t need to know exactly what happened or have all the details before asking for help.
Your safety and wellbeing come first.

 

A shared responsibility

No festival can eliminate every risk, but we can work together to create a culture of care.
MEME asks everyone to respect boundaries, look out for one another, ask for consent, and speak up when something doesn’t feel right.
Come for the music. Stay curious. Take care of yourself and each other.
We’re glad you’re here.