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Privacy Policy

Last updated: March 15, 2026

Shivanya Ra ("I", "me", "my", "Shivanya Ra") operates the website www.shivanyara.com (the "Site"). This Privacy Policy explains how I collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit the Site.

 

I am committed to protecting your privacy, especially recognizing that many visitors to this Site may be neurodivergent, disabled, or otherwise value strong data protection and transparency. This policy is written in clear language to support accessibility.

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1. Information I Collect

A. Information You Provide Voluntarily

  • Contact / inquiry form: name, email address, message content (and any other fields you choose to fill)

  • Newsletter / mailing list subscription: email address (and name if provided)

  • Other voluntary submissions: any information you send via email, social media messages linked from the Site, or other direct contact

B. Automatically Collected Information

  • Device & browser data: IP address, browser type/version, operating system, device type, language preference, referring URL

  • Usage data: pages visited, time/date of visit, time spent on pages, scroll/click behavior (if analytics enabled)

  • Cookies & similar technologies (see Cookies section below)

C. Information I Do Not Collect

  • I do not intentionally collect sensitive personal information (health/medical details, racial/ethnic origin, political opinions, religious beliefs, biometric data, etc.) unless you voluntarily provide it in a message (in which case I treat it as confidential).

  • I do not sell personal information to third parties.

  • I do not collect payment information (no e-commerce/store functionality is assumed).

 

2. How I Use Your Information

I use the information collected only for the following purposes:

  • To respond to your inquiries, messages, or collaboration requests

  • To send newsletters/updates about new artwork, exhibitions, accessibility advocacy, workshops, or other news (only if you explicitly subscribe)

  • To improve the Site's usability, accessibility, and content (via anonymized analytics)

  • To detect and prevent technical issues, abuse, or security incidents

  • To comply with legal obligations

 

3. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

The Site may use:

  • Essential cookies — needed for basic functionality (e.g., remembering accessibility preferences such as high contrast or font size)

  • Analytics cookies (e.g., Google Analytics, Matomo, or similar privacy-focused tools) — to understand Site usage in aggregate form

  • Performance / functional cookies — to remember preferences

You can manage cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to block or delete cookies, though doing so may affect Site functionality (especially accessibility features).

I aim to use privacy-respecting tools and minimize tracking. If third-party analytics are used, I strive to enable IP anonymization where available.

 

4. Sharing Your Information

I do not sell your personal information.

I may share information only in these limited cases:

  • With service providers (e.g., email service provider like Mailchimp, web host, analytics provider) under strict confidentiality agreements

  • To comply with law, respond to valid legal requests, protect rights/safety, or prevent fraud/abuse

  • In the event of a business transition (very unlikely), your information may transfer to a successor entity under similar privacy protections

 

5. Data Storage & International Transfers

Data is primarily stored in Canada (or jurisdictions with adequacy decisions/appropriate safeguards under applicable law). If any tools involve transfers outside Canada (e.g., U.S.-based providers), I rely on appropriate safeguards (Standard Contractual Clauses, etc.) where required.

 

6. Data Retention

I keep personal information only as long as necessary:

  • Inquiry/contact form messages — typically 12–24 months (or longer if needed for follow-up)

  • Newsletter subscribers — until you unsubscribe or request deletion

  • Analytics data — usually 14–26 months (depending on provider settings)

After that period, data is deleted or irreversibly anonymized.

 

7. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have rights including:

  • Access to your personal data

  • Correction of inaccurate data

  • Deletion ("right to be forgotten")

  • Restriction of processing

  • Objection to processing (especially marketing)

  • Data portability (where technically feasible)

  • Withdraw consent (for consent-based processing like newsletters)

To exercise any rights, email me at the contact address listed below. I will respond within legally required timeframes (usually 30 days).

You may also unsubscribe from emails via the link in every newsletter or by contacting me.

 

8. Children's Privacy

The Site is not directed to children under 16. I do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16. If I become aware that I have collected such data, I will delete it promptly.

 

9. Security

I take reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your data (HTTPS encryption, secure hosting, limited access, regular updates). However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure.

 

10. Third-Party Links

The Site may contain links to external sites (social media, exhibition partners, etc.). I am not responsible for their privacy practices. Review their policies separately.

 

11. Changes to This Policy

I may update this Privacy Policy occasionally. Changes will be posted here with an updated "Last updated" date. For significant changes (e.g., new data uses), I may provide additional notice (e.g., site banner or email if you are subscribed).

 

12. Contact Me

For questions, requests, or to exercise your privacy rights:

Email: info@shivanyara.com 

Website: www.shivanyara.com

 

Thank you for visiting and supporting neurodivergent and disabled artists.

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