The call comes as the Mothership Project survey indicated that three quarters of artists have missed out on projects due to lack of childcare.

Deputy Smyth commented, “The findings of the Mothership Project have indicated what many artists who are parents already know, that Ireland is missing out on the work of some amazing artists because we do not have the supports. Three quarters of those in the arts industry have turned down opportunities because they cannot access childcare.

“We know childcare costs are soaring across the board. Many families are struggling with increasing costs. The arts industry is not immune to these increases.

“The unwritten rule appears to be that if you want to be a successful artist you cannot be a parent. That is a terrible message to be sending. We need a concerted effort to address this disparity and for the government to do its part to support artists coming together in order to address the barriers to participate.

“I am calling on the government to develop these very needed supports for artists to allow them to maintain their work and seek affordable childcare,” concluded Deputy Smyth.

The Mothership Project

The Mothership Project is a network of artists who are also mothers in Ireland. The collective have been active ever since 2013 and have gained wider media attention in the last few months. For more details about how they work, go to visualartists.ie