Cordespace organises educational and recreational activities to teach Japanese-inspired rope art (shibari, kinbaku) in Quebec City. Since 2014, we learn, share and experiment: our sessions are open to anyone interested, whether you wish to practise rope or experience it, whether you are a beginner or already have some experience.
Our mission is to create a space for learning, sharing and creativity, guided by curiosity, where safety and respect are paramount. Rope practice is complemented by other activities organized in collaboration with various artistic and alternative communities. We foster a spirit of kindness within a collaborative environment that is mindful of diversity and the individual needs of each person.
Our values
1) Community & Collaboration
- Foster peer learning, experience sharing and mentoring.
- Create welcoming and fun spaces that strengthen social bonds.
- Communicate in French using clear and accessible language.
- Encourage self-organisation (practice groups, reading circles, mutual support).
- Co-create activities with artistic and alternative communities.
2) Safety, Consent and Integrity
- Teach the technical basics, risk assessment and emergency protocols.
- Clarify expectations and foster an atmosphere of openness where participants can ask questions, slow down or stop at any time, without pressure.
- Respect for oneself and others: dignity, clarity and kindness at every stage; confidentiality is protected.
- Standing by our teaching choices, welcoming feedback and taking responsibility in the event of any shortcomings.
- Updating practices in light of feedback from the community and available knowledge.
3) Accessibility, Inclusivity & Equity
- Identify specific needs: adapt the programme and teaching methods to each person’s abilities, pace and circumstances (positions, technical options, breaks).
- Reduce barriers to access: clear materials, advance information, accessible rooms and equipment.
- Introduce a sliding-scale fee structure where possible.
- Warn participants about sensitive content (trauma warnings), allow time for processing, and encourage active listening and mutual support.
- Use non-stigmatising language; reject discriminatory behaviour.
4) Curiosity, Exploration & Individual and Collective Growth
- Foster curiosity as a driver of learning: observe, experiment, adjust.
- Embrace mistakes and gradual adjustment; celebrate individual and collective progress.
- Provide follow-up resources (guides, lecture notes, practice sessions) to encourage safe practice.
5) Transparency & Responsabilisation
- Acknowledge sources and influences by recognising the diverse histories of rope binding and giving credit to the individuals, schools and bodies of work involved.
- To provide a simple code of conduct and a confidential reporting procedure.
- To update content and practices in line with feedback from the community and the latest available knowledge.