Warning and Ban Policy

Members of the GVIAS community may receive a formal warning letter or a formal ban letter from the GVIAS Board of Directors. Individuals may be banned from attending some or all GVIAS events, or barred from volunteering in some or all roles with GVIAS.

The Board of Directors may issue an official warning or ban if a prospective participant:

  • Has a pattern of violating the Code of Conduct or Festival policies, endangering the event or its participants’ safety
  • Has any single well-substantiated report of a serious violation of policies
  • Continues engaging in harmful behavior after receiving a Warning from the Board of Directors about such behavior
    The Board may also choose to issue a ban for reasons not covered in this policy.


Informing banned individuals of their status

  • The Board of Directors will send an official letter notifying the recipient of a ban specifying terms and duration.
  • If a person who has never attended any GVIAS events is banned, they will be informed of the ban if they register for, purchase a ticket to, or attempt to attend a GVIAS event.


When are people unbanned?

  • Bans are instituted for one year or indefinitely, as specified in the notification letter.
  • One-year bans end automatically at the end of the calendar year as specified in the notification letter; there will be no notification letter to signify the end of a ban.
  • The Board of Directors can choose to renew a one year ban, which will result in a new notification letter.
  • Individuals can appeal to have their ban lifted.
    • Appeal the ban directly to the Board: [email protected]
    • Appeals will be handled at an upcoming scheduled Board meeting.
    • Only one appeal request per individual will be heard per year.


Appeals process

  • Banned individuals can appeal their ban directly with the Board.
  • Appeals will be handled at the next scheduled Board meeting.
  • Only one appeal request per individual will be heard per year.


Publishing bans

In cases where the Conduct Committee feels publishing a ban would benefit the GVIAS community or other communities, it will recommend to the Board of Directors that such an announcement be made.

The Board will determine if and how to make any announcement. In the future a policy may be developed that specifically outlines this process.

Inquiries about banned individuals

Unless a ban has been published by the Board, GVIAS does not provide information about whether a participant has been banned. However, any registered event attendee may inquire if any particular individual has registered or been ticketed for that event. Email such requests to [email protected].

Barring people from positions of responsibility

GVIAS reserves the right to prevent someone from volunteering in particular capacities or any capacity.



**Thank you to the Toronto Burning Man community and Firefly Arts Collective for their permission to adapt their conduct materials.

Membership Is Free

But Some Assembly Required

We are guided by the 10 principles of Burning Man. These principles guide our interactions with one another and the environment and have a strong ethos of participation. As such, our events and the society are entirely dependent upon community participation.

Membership isn't required to participate, but members enjoy a number of perks including access to a community of doers and dreamers.

GVIAS Mailing List

Never miss a GVIAS Event, signup today!

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA.
The Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Copyright © 2024 Greater Vancouver Interactive Art Society.
All rights reserved.