Parenting in the arts | Flanders Arts Institute

The debate on parenthood in the arts has been rumbling for some time and lays bare a deep-seated issue: in a sector weighed down by production pressures and the constant need to remain visible and relevant, artists who are parents face a difficult reality. How can we bring artistic practice and caregiving responsibilities closer together?

On this dossier page, we have gathered information and resources for artist parents and organisations wishing to explore this theme.

Tips for parents

"How I started my residency"

A survey of artist-parents who turn their own homes into their ateliers, to show how creativity and care merge.

Culture Moves Europe (EU-grants)

A EU mobility fund that enables you to make any residential property ‘parent friendly’, for example through the Family Top-up.

Groups and networks

Female Artist Brussels

A network that organises monthly meetings to support one another and offer a listening ear.

Biennale of Women in the Art

A non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting and promoting the work of female artists in Belgium and around the world.

Mothers & Daughters Bar

An art space and bar where community, parenthood, and queerness blend together freely.

Family-friendly residencies and support in Belgium

Frans Masereel Centrum

A family-friendly residency programme for graphic design and research, with the necessary facilities for parents.

MORPHO

One of the few places in Flanders that is trialling additional financial support for parents.

Kunstenwerkplaats

This initiative opts for a personalised, human-centred approach by engaging in the necessary discussions with artists, thereby creating a safe, flexible space.

Tips for organisations

How can you ensure that artists with children are not excluded?

Some guidelines for institutions and residencies.

NICC in conversation about parenting in the arts

A webpage containing relevant information and advice for visual artists who are parents.

Good practices for residency spaces

What can residencies offer artists with children?

Charter Culture Action Europe

At European level, work is underway on a comprehensive charter for working conditions in the cultural sector, under which the ‘Fair Share’ and ‘Fair System’ initiatives also cover parental leave and care rights for freelancers.

Literature and podcasts

Report (m)otherhood in the arts

A look back at the De Brakke Grond symposium.

Pregnancy and parenting in visual arts

Discover the research article by the Boekman Foundation.

Gender inequality in the arts

Find out more about the research by Women Inc.

Between being a mother and being an artist

Listen to the panel discussion from Etcetera.

Between art and child

Listen to Mirthe Berentsen’s podcast.

Mother-/artisthood

Essay in Etcetera by Anneleen Keppens.

Literature by women in the arts

Discover a range of feminist books.

Anna Dede and Matthieu Goeury about parenting in the arts

Listen to the podcast episode of Cutaway.

Inspiration from abroad

Options for financial support

Mondriaanfonds (NL): voucher artist with child

Care-friendly residential programmes and alternative pathways

Jan Van Eyck Academie (NL): provides long-term support and housing for families.
Villa Medici (IT): one of the few places where families are officially welcome for longer stays (up to one year), including allowances to cover living expenses.
Halle 6 (DE): often collaborates with The Artist and The Others on short, intensive parent residencies.
Cow House Studios (IE): This is one of the few places that offers accommodation with full childcare.
Hospitalfield (GB): a pioneer in the field of radical care within the arts sector, offering flexible residencies and financial support.
Spazju Kreattiv (MT): very inviting for international artists with families.

Do you have any tips for us?

With reading recommendations, best practices and other interesting reading material, this dossier serves as a living archive.

Do you have anything to add? Please email our colleague Emeraude.