UK Performing Arts Industry Criticised as 'Inhospitable to Parents' in New Research
A new report has issued a stark warning that the performing arts industry in the United Kingdom is "inhospitable to parents" and lags significantly behind other sectors in supporting women with children. The research, titled "the Motherhood penalty", highlights systemic issues such as excessively long working hours, a severe lack of flexibility, and last-minute scheduling that are disproportionately driving parents, especially mothers, out of the creative field.
Key Findings and Industry Failings
The study, conducted as part of the Women in Theatre research project with backing from Equity and the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain, involved focus groups and questionnaires with ten senior industry professionals. All participants agreed that the arts sector urgently needs to improve its support for mothers and parents. Author Jennifer Tuckett, a playwright, expressed shock at practices like schedules being distributed the night before, which severely impacts those with caring responsibilities.
Tuckett emphasised: "Caring responsibilities were one of the major issues affecting women’s careers in the arts. We would urge both arts organisations and policymakers to explore new models that enable both women and men to succeed professionally and domestically."
Personal Testimonies and Structural Barriers
Participants detailed numerous obstacles, including a culture of "long and late working hours" and involvement in the night-time economy, which creates significant barriers for parents. Many noted a shortage of female creative directors and editors, exacerbating gender imbalances. Some women reported receiving less work from contacts after having children, while others felt their careers suffered due to reduced time for networking and self-promotion.
One respondent described how her CV developed gaps after motherhood, making her "undesirable" in an industry that often judges based on the most recent job. Another criticised the arts for being "way behind other industries", trapped in outdated systems where last-minute scheduling and a lack of budget for job shares are commonplace, despite such arrangements being standard for child actors on stage.
Specific Challenges and Proposed Solutions
Examples of inflexibility included a West End show refusing to adjust rehearsal start times by just thirty minutes to accommodate school drop-offs, and tours being impractical for many mothers due to demanding eight-show weekly commitments. The expectation to "drop everything" for emergencies was also cited as a major stressor.
Potential solutions outlined in the report include:
- Holding initial meetings to discuss parental needs proactively.
- Distributing schedules well in advance to allow for planning.
- Implementing greater flexibility in working hours and conditions.
- Launching targeted projects to assist parents in returning to the workplace.
Gemma Arterton's Advocacy and Artistic Insight
Actress Gemma Arterton, who contributed to the research and has starred in films like Quantum of Solace and St Trinian’s, shared her perspective on how motherhood has positively influenced her artistry. She stated, "Motherhood has deepened my instincts and strengthened me as an artist. It sharpens your intuition, expands your emotional range, and gives you a profound understanding of care, collaboration, and resilience."
Arterton added: "Creative projects are richer, more thoughtful, and more impactful when mothers are part of shaping them. I’ve witnessed many incredible women struggle with issues like long working hours, lack of flexibility, and unsupported travel. To sustain long, thriving careers for women and mothers in the creative industries, we need informed action, structural support, and accountability."
Industry Response and Future Initiatives
An Arts Council England spokesperson acknowledged the issues, noting that a task and finish group was established in July to address needs across the cultural sector, including glass ceilings, harassment, and caring responsibilities. The spokesperson said, "We want to champion good practice and identify tools and interventions that support women at work."
The report aims to identify problems and serve as a foundation for further research under two new organisations, Women in Arts and Women in Theatre, which will also run mentoring programmes and networking events to foster a more inclusive environment.
