Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct

Deutsche Ensemble Akademie, Ensemble Modern, International Ensemble Modern Academy

Version dated September 2, 2026

Preamble

The Deutsche Ensemble Akademie (German Ensemble Academy), Ensemble Modern and the International Ensemble Modern Academy unite the power of strong individual personalities with the joint goal of developing contemporary art/music and make it resound. Our strength lies in our diversity, our different backgrounds, interests and competencies. We consider ourselves organizations united in solidarity, our efficiency heightened by democratic structures, transparency and mutual support. Our goal is to create a musical world in which people can be artistically active and visible, and gain access - regardless of their background, religion, age, gender identity or socioeconomic background. Our work rests on the democratic values of the German Grundgesetz (constitution). We resolutely reject anti-democratic, extremist or inhumane positions. We consider ourselves stakeholders in civil society, strengthening our democratic culture and championing respectful treatment of all members of our society.

This Code of Conduct states our guidelines for our activities as organizations, both internally and externally. It is addressed to all persons working within our organizations, independent of status, function and workload, as well as all our guests and partners, regardless of the intensity and the concrete reason for their connection to our organizations.

Our Guidelines

Learning Organizations & Transparency

We consider our organizations to be learning ones, continuously reflecting and developing their structures, procedures and offerings. We question hierarchies and power structures. Criticism is welcome. It must be delivered in a respectful and solution-oriented manner. We listen to one another, accept different points of view, learn from each other and embrace a collaborative attitude. Our work is marked by democratic processes of decision-making, transparency and opportunities for participation. We define committees, roles and responsibilities clearly. We think and act for the long term, taking economic, social and ecological sustainability into account. A culture of learning, development on an individual and organizational level, and addressing mistakes considerately are important to us.

Fairness & Access

We treat everyone with appreciation, respect and equality. We agree to practice integrity, honesty and constructive communication. In cases of conflict, we seek out direct conversation or turn to the responsible contact persons (see below). Without exception, we seek solution-oriented approaches. We do not tolerate any form of discrimination. We try to use our resources to cover further education and exchange formats. We work with partners who share our principles. We also expect this of the guests attending our events. We strive to provide barrier-free, inclusive access to our offerings.

Staffing & Representation

We aim to represent different perspectives in all appointments to committees, positions and jobs. We strive to include persons with different profiles and diverse backgrounds. We aim to consider diversity in all its dimensions.

Professionalism in Teaching Relationships

In our educational and further education offerings - e.g. the cooperation with the Frankfurt Academy of Music and Performing Arts - we are conscious of the dependencies inherent in educational settings.

The top priority in this context is respecting boundaries and avoiding overstepping these boundaries, as well as preventing the exploitation of power. Due to their special position, teachers have heightened responsibilities. They regularly reflect upon their own actions, creating an environment in which students may state their boundaries freely and without fear. Consensus is the foundation of every interaction - and must be generated actively, never merely assumed.

Sanctions for Breaches of this Code of Conduct

Two shareholders and two team members of different genders will be designated and receive appropriate counselling, serving as contact persons in cases in which this Code of Conduct is breached. Conflict resolution conversations shall be arranged via these contact persons without exception. Any contact with them remains confidential until the person seeking a conversation and the contact person have mutually agreed further steps and the potential involvement of further persons or committees.

Frankfurt, September 2, 2026

Confirmed by Shareholders' Resolution