This book explores the collision of worlds when an artist becomes a parent by looking at the profound ways in which parenthood transforms the creative process and artistic expression.

Through in-depth interviews, analysis of work across the performing arts, and the author’s personal anecdotes, it is revealed that becoming a parent can both challenge and enrich the artistic process, with work and life shifting and changing as parenthood is navigated. Parenthood and Performance uncovers the many myths of an artist-parent and embarks on the topic with honesty, insight and empathy. The interviewed artists add to the conversation on the balance between care and creation, gendered expectations and the resilience required to sustain a creative career amidst the nappies and school runs. The book also discusses the impact of infertility, baby loss and choosing not to have a family – factors which contribute to the make-up of an artist and to their work.

Parenthood and Performance is ideal for scholars, students and artists interested in the interplay between parenthood, creativity, identity and human experience.