The [s]TATTOO studio has closed, but the stories continue
Two hundred and eighty staff members and students shared their thoughts this spring from the black leather salon chairs of the [s]TATTOO pop-up studio. Since then, work has been taking place behind the scenes on a follow-up project in the form of a theatrical reading. ‘Listening well really does mean sitting on your hands.’
A tattoo studio where no tattoos are actually given, but where you can sit comfortably and share how you are doing: that was the idea behind the [s]TATTOO pop-up studio this spring, which toured the university’s faculties. Staff and students shared their thoughts and feelings about what makes them feel at home within the university with an artist, and received a personalised artwork in the form of a poem or drawing to take home. [s]TATTOO is pronounced like the Dutch phrase ‘sta toe’ (meaning ‘allow’), symbolising allowing someone to listen to you.
A sign of trust
Fortunately, staff and students were more than willing to do just that, says Diversity and Inclusion Policy Adviser Judith Jansen. ‘What was especially striking was the difference between people before and after they sat down in the chair. At first, many were somewhat reserved and hesitant, but fifteen minutes later they often left looking energised or visibly moved. One person said, “It was only fifteen minutes, but so much happened.” Others felt the conversation could have lasted longer, or were surprised by how much they had shared.’
For Dilara Yurdakul, Interim Chief Security officer, the greatest compliment was the openness people showed. ‘It is a real sign of trust. Every location generated new stories and perspectives, which together create a rich and nuanced picture of what is happening within Leiden University. We also want to create space for voices and experiences that are not always heard within the organisation. In doing so, we gain a deeper understanding of social safety and of the issues and experiences that matter to our community.’
The harvest
The notes from all conversations held in the pop-up studio have now been collected anonymously and renamed ‘the harvest’. ‘Our aim is to bring that harvest back to the faculties so they can make use of it themselves’, says Yurdakul. ‘To do that, we worked with Art Partner and a theatre-maker on an interactive theatrical reading. It includes statements made by staff and students during their visit to the [s]TATTOO studio. Naturally, everything has been fully anonymised.’
The reading premiered earlier this year at the Strategic Conference. Sessions at Archaeology and LUMC are planned for the coming period. ‘It has become a powerful and impactful story that really stays with you’, says Jansen. ‘After the reading, we practised listening to one another without judgement or knowing looks while discussing how each person had experienced it. It makes you think: how simple can it be? Just listen for a few minutes without immediately wanting to respond. But listening well sometimes really does mean sitting on your hands. Exercises like that remind you how much this contributes to making people feel heard, seen and at home.’
Join the inspiration session on 18 November
A [s]TATTOO inspiration session for staff and students will also be organised on 18 November. It is an open invitation to continue the conversation together, says Yurdakul. ‘We want [s]TATTOO to produce something that genuinely helps faculties and gives them something they can work with. We now have a wealth of valuable insights, but what more can we do? How can these stories and insights retain their value and continue to have an impact across the university? Here too, the aim is to listen and give something back.’
Text: Evelien Flink
Photos: Danique ter Horst