Symposium: Making Room for Children and Art

***The Millennium Gallery is closed on Wed 27 May due to a maintenance issue – we’re working to identify and resolve the problem as swiftly as possible and look forward to welcoming you as soon as we’re able.

We’re currently exploring options for this afternoon’s Making Room for Children in Art Symposium and will contact bookers directly with updated information.***

Making Room for Children and Art is a free symposium on artist-parent/child collaborations and other strategies for continuing a creative practice alongside caring for children. 

Convened by artist and researcher, Dr Assunta Ruocco, this event will bring together artists, curators, researchers and art workers to share, discuss and develop thinking around intergenerational collaboration and the conditions that support artist-parents in cultural institutions, studios and public spaces.  

The event warmly welcomes children and families – a making and play space will be active throughout, with play workers present to support families. A free lunch is also provided for all attendees. The event is open to artist-parents and carers attending with and without children. 

Speakers include:  

Shirley Cameron, artist, Sheffield, on her pioneering collaborative practice with her daughters from the 1970s onwards.  

Jo Harrison, co-founder of the Art Working Parents Alliance, on the Alliance's work building networks, visibility and advocacy for artist-parents across the UK. 

Hettie Judah, curator, writer and co-founder of the Art Working Parents Alliance, presenting from her new book 'How to Enter the Art World...' (Hoxton Mini Press, 2026).  

Assunta and Lou on their collaborative practice from 2020-ongoing.

Ellie Barrett, artist, on the Sculpture Kit, a resource developed with her daughter Nora, which will be available to play with on the day.

Magda Bielesz, artist, on her drawings and performances made in collaboration with her son Maurycy.

Delivered in partnership with Bloc Projects, Millennium Gallery and the Art Working Parents Alliance. For more information, visit blocprojects.co.uk/exhibitions-events/2026/making-room-for-children-and-art-symposium  

Supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England, with additional support from the University of Lincoln.