About

What is MOTHEROTHER?

MOTHEROTHER is an inclusive and supportive collective for artists who are also caregivers. The term caregiver applies to the broad spectrum of parents, guardians and carers across our community.

Who is MOTHEROTHER for?

MOTHEROTHER is for everyone aspiring to, or currently working within, or associated with the arts.

Though our focus is upon supporting existing caregivers, at some point in almost everyone’s lives each of us will take on the role of caregiver. That could be as a biological, foster or adoptive parent, or looking after your own parents, a partner, a family member or significant other. Your care journey could start at any time. It may be planned; it may be a complete surprise.

Wherever you are on your educational, career or life journey, becoming a caregiver will impact you in ways that you can’t imagine. You may also find that the system is rigged against you, and that is why MOTHEROTHER is for you.

What are the aims of MOTHEROTHER?

MOTHEROTHER aims to provide opportunities for…

  • Appropriately timed, relaxed and dependent-friendly artist meet-ups and workshops promoting caregiver wellbeing through creative exploration for the wider community

  • Listening to and learning from one another's experiences

  • Voicing the issues surrounding the development of artistic practice for those with dependents and proposing accessibility solutions

  • Liaising with regional arts institutions to improve access

  • Exploring group-led non-monetary approaches to care

  • Seeking and sharing appropriate opportunities and resources

  • Generating opportunities to develop artistic practices through residential and workshop-based approaches

  • Raising visibility via exhibitions and online platforms

  • Networking with and mapping similar groups across and beyond the region

How can I get involved in MOTHEROTHER?

You can come along to artist meet-ups (in person or via Zoom), join in with our community building sessions, or engage with our open-calls and social pages. You can also share your stories, links to relevant resources and other artist care platforms, in the spirit of mutual support, via the Contact Page.

Who runs MOTHEROTHER?

MOTHEROTHER is an artist led initiative founded by Sue Loughlin and supported by Lady Kitt, Dan Russell and Cheryl Gavin.

Who funds MOTHEROTHER?

MOTHEROTHER is funded by a National Lottery Project Grant from Arts Council England and generous support from The NewBridge Project, HELIX Arts, BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Arts and The Auxiliary Project Space.

Mothering is a

nongendered

verb.