We are looking for artworks that function as ‘performative rituals’ for visualizing loss. They might be performances that provide a sense of action and agency in the face of loss, or objects that enact / represent a memorial. Submissions could be, but are not limited to: an action, an instruction, an object (artist-made or DIY), a ritual (eg. lighting a candle that is shared online or scattering petals), and participatory actions / creative tasks.

We are looking for artists who are would like to participate in a pilot project on Miscarriage and Wellbeing that is being conducted by the School of Performance and Cultural Industries and the School of Healthcare Studies at The University of Leeds. The project will create a wider platform for artists who performatively use ritual to share narratives of miscarriage loss.

Rituals that acknowledge early miscarriage (in the first 20 weeks) – by narrating and visually representing experiences of loss - will be discussed with relevant stakeholders as a strategy for improving NHS provision. At this stage of the project selected artwork will only be viewed by researchers and partner organisations, and will not be publicly shared. Partner organizations are The Miscarriage Association and HOPE Bereavement Support.

Although participation in this small pilot scheme is at this stage voluntary, we hope to secure funding to commission the artists who are involved when the project is scaled up further down the line.

How do I get involved?

If you are interested in taking part and would like to know more, please submit examples of your work and a short description (max 2000 words) explaining how it relates to the theme – performative rituals for visualizing loss. 

Deadline for submissions: 23rd March 2021