About Spilt Milk

Spilt Milk Gallery CIC is a Social Enterprise whose mission is to make motherhoods visible by promoting the work of artists who identify as mothers, and empowering mothers in the community through artist-led activity. By increasing the visibility of artist mothers, we aim to contribute to an inclusive culture where all voices and experiences can be represented and valued.

We support and advocate for artist mothers through our international membership network and promote the work of our members through online and pop-up exhibitions and events. Since 2018, we have welcomed over 400 artist mothers working globally with diverse practices and at different stages of their careers. Through the provision of accessible opportunities for mothers to continue their artistic careers, we support a culture where motherhood is no longer seen as an obstacle to overcome but as a rich and empowering part of an artists' creative identity.

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Image credit: Celine Sheridan

Image credit: Catherine Reinhart

Women and non-binary artists have historically been, and continue to be under-represented in the art world. While women outnumber men within arts education, just 35% of artists represented by commercial galleries are women, and they represent just 2% of the secondary art market. The view that women artists must choose between their career and motherhood has long been perpetuated in the art world and even where women do not have children, they still suffer the consequences of the ‘motherhood penalty’ with art institutions labelling women in their 30’s as “risky” or “unreliable.” By excluding mothers, their crucial narratives and experiences are also excluded from cultural representations. Spilt Milk aims to change this by providing accessible opportunities to support the inclusion of mothers and mothering within the arts.

Meet our voluntary board of directors

Lauren McLaughlin

FOUNDING DIRECTOR
I founded Spilt Milk in 2018 with the aim of carving out a space to support and amplify the voices of artists who are also mothers. As an artist and single mother myself, I not only understand the barriers to creative participation but I’m passionate about instigating new ways of working that accommodate for those with caring responsibilities. I'm a multidisciplinary artist, curator and activist and since 2012 my experience includes managing commercial art galleries, leading creative projects with community organisations, and guest lecturing in art education throughout Edinburgh. I have a BA (Hons) Fine Art from Central Saint Martin’s London, and an MA in Applied Arts and Social Practice from Queen Margaret University.
Photo: Anneleen Lindsay
Laura Bennison

BOARD MEMBER

I joined the board in November 2020 as I’m passionate about diversity and inclusion, removing barriers and championing marginalised voices in the arts. I have a specific interest in the link between the arts and mental health, and have 7 years of experience as a Change Agent for Maternal Mental Health Scotland. I have over ten years of experience in community engagement and audience development in the arts and heritage sector previous roles including Public Art Development Officer at Govanhill Baths, Outreach and Access Manager at City of Edinburgh Museums and Galleries, and Heritage and Audience Development Officer for Glasgow Life. I am currently the Community Engagement Officer for National Museums Scotland and the Scotland Campaign Coordinator for Everyone's Business Campaign. I hold a Masters in Art Gallery and Museum Education and an MA in History of Art.