Artists lead varied lives, with some enjoying the freedom to create late into the night or early morning while others face challenges juggling personal and professional responsibilities. According to Julia Carr, artistic director of Neighbourhood Dance Works, caregiving duties can disrupt the work-life balance for many artists, leading to exhaustion and burnout due to the unpredictable nature of the field.
Freelance artists often lack the benefits and support available to those with traditional employment, making it difficult to manage caregiving responsibilities. To address these challenges, Neighbourhood Dance Works has released an Artists Care Toolkit, offering resources and guidance for artists navigating the demands of their profession while caring for others.
Julia Carr, a professional dancer and mother, understands the struggles faced by artists with caregiving responsibilities. The toolkit is part of the Balancing Act’s Level UP! initiative, which aims to support artists, parents, and caregivers in achieving a better work-life balance. Carr emphasizes that the toolkit is a starting point for accessing essential resources and fostering a culture of mutual care and respect within the artist community.
The Artist Care Toolkit will continue to evolve with input from the community, providing artists with the tools to articulate their needs and seek support. Carr encourages artists to be proactive in identifying their needs and not hesitate to ask for help, emphasizing the importance of mutual support and understanding within the artistic community.