The Making of Mothers

Overview

A small group exhibition bringing together local artists from East London who create alongside, with, about, and around motherhood. Works explore questions about becoming/being/not being/or losing a mother, and the artists' responses to these experiences. The show features local artists whose work focuses on motherhood themes or whose practice is influenced by these experiences.

Eligibility

Artists/makers based in Waltham Forest or nearby in East London, at any stage of their artistic journey. The exhibition is open to all m/others with creativity in their bones—inclusive of bereaved mothers, pregnant people, non-binary parents, adoptive parents, queer mothers, trans parents, foster parents, surrogate mothers, and grand and great-mothers. Particularly keen to include perspectives from makers/mothers from underserved or historically/systemically marginalised communities, grand and great-grandmothers, and parents with insights into maintaining creative practice alongside family life.

How to enter

Complete the form on CuratorSpace with a short description of how your work aligns with the exhibition themes. You can enter up to 3 works. All work must be framed/ready to hang.

Key dates

• Application deadline: Sunday 2nd August, 12 midnight
• Notification: Friday 7th August
• Drop off: Monday 13th September 6–7:30 pm or Tuesday 15th September 10–11 am
• Installation: Tuesday 15th September 11 am–3 pm
• Exhibition: Thursday 17th–Sunday 20th September, 10 am–5 pm
• Collection of unsold works: Monday 21st September, 10 am–3 pm

Exhibition events

• Thursday 17th September: Mending workshop 12:30–2:30 pm
• Friday 18th September: Workshop with Daphne & Friends 10:30 am–12 pm; Private View & Artist talk 6–8 pm
• Saturday 19th September: Family workshop 10 am–11 am (Free, drop-in, donations welcome)
• Sunday 20th September: Family workshop 10 am–11 am (Free, drop-in, donations welcome)

Fees & commission

It is free to apply. If your work is selected, there is a suggested participation fee of £25 per artist to help cover the cost of the Private View, curator time, and promotional materials. Contact the curator if this is prohibitive. The gallery retains 10% commission on any sales made.

Why participate

• Show your work in an East London gallery space in a vibrant area
• Free workshops and events to engage the public with exhibition themes
• Private View event on the opening night
• Retain 90% of sales made
• Build connections with practitioners working with similar themes, including an online meet-up
• Promotion and marketing support, including social media highlights
• Gallery listed with London Open House Festival 2026, expected to bring good footfall

Terms & conditions

Artworks will be handled with care and invigilation provided, but the gallery cannot be responsible for loss or damage; artists are encouraged to carry insurance. The gallery reserves the right to photograph artwork during the event and use images for publicity purposes. Work must be suitable for a small, intimate gallery space with approximately 10m of hanging space and two portable boards. Artists based locally are asked to support with a half-day invigilation slot. As an artist-led show, you are asked to help promote the exhibition in your networks.