Talk – How not to exclude artist mothers

Rana Begum, Fiona Bradley, Laura Ford, Cally Spooner and Laura Smith, chaired by art critic Hettie Judah

In this online conversation, artists Rana Begum, Laura Ford and Cally Spooner, Fiona Bradley (Director, Fruitmarket Gallery, Edinburgh) and Laura Smith (Curator, Whitechapel Gallery, London and Max Mara Art Prize for Women) chaired by art critic Hettie Judah, considered the experience of artist mothers in the art world today.

Following her research into the impact of motherhood on artists, published in our recent report, ‘Representation of Female Artists in Britain 2019’, Hettie Judah explored ways in which arts institutions could do better to accommodate artist mothers when working with them on exhibitions and residencies.

The artists shared their experiences – both positive and negative – and leading figures in the British art world discussed how they have made positive changes within their own institutions. To conclude the event, Hettie presented a list of provisional guidelines, compiled in collaboration with artist mothers who have participated in her research, to guide institutions toward best practice.

Hettie has also built a website for the guidelines which can be accessed here.

Watch a recording of the event below:

Banner Image: Emma Hart, Mamma Mia!, installation view, BANGER, The Fruitmarket Gallery, 2017