Mothers in Arts Residency (MA Residency) is a studio space combined with a communal day care. The Residency is specialized in supporting emerging women artists, who are also mothers.
Mothers in Arts is free of charge; the artists agree on take turns to work and look after each others children around an organized work schedule. The Residency was designed around the childcare policies of the Netherlands: 3 months is the given maternity leave and 2 years is the minimum age, when children are provided with 2 days a week subsidized daycare. This “in between” period is crucial for an artistparent: through the strict schedule and the constant attention which a baby requires, critical practice becomes limited.
Mothers in Arts and the trial residency were created with the hope that it could help artists to combine their artistic practice with early parenthood. Through the project I wanted to put forward a discussion about a problem that affects many emerging artist women when they become parents; Even though, many artists have children, parenthood remains stigmatized in the art world. Therefore, besides the physical and mental challenges of childbearing - which are consuming enough - an added feeling of isolation can be felt by many mothers. This situation isn’t exclusive for artists of course, it is a common dilemma for most working mothers. After becoming a parent maintaining a professional life becomes difficult.
Mothers in Arts is geared to mother artists and by drawing attention to this hidden segment of the art world I wish to stimulate mothers in general. By showing and promoting their existence, I hope that the professional and also the general public realizes and confirms their importance as a matter of public health.
