Frequently Asked Questions
I am worried that some of the works may be challenging and I want to understand how I will be cared for?
It is correct that some artworks in the collection are challenging. They address issues connected with sexuality, mortality, infertility, abortion, preterm and post-natal depression. We would give a warning if we think that content is challenging. We will hold the space together in a supportive and safe way, we will provide break out rooms where, if needed, you can take some time out. We would like to take this opportunity to explain that this is a course which involves artistic expression. Although we will do everything in our means to hold a safe space, we can not provide therapy alongside the teaching and art workshops. Please speak to us in advance if you are worried about your responses to the artworks and we will endeavour to guide you to places that might help you prepare for the week ahead.
Can BRC help me with funding to attend the Summer School?
We cannot direct you to funding, but we are very happy to write letters of support for funding applications. Please email requests to Helen Knowles on helen@birthrites.org.uk.
Is it possible to pay for the Summer School in installments?
The payment plan for the Summer School is 1 x £100 deposit payment due at the time of booking, with the remaining balance due before the Summer School begins. We are happy to agree installment plans in individual circumstances, to help spread the cost of the Summer School. Please email helen@birthrites.org.uk to discuss this.
I am not an artist but I am really interested in attending the Summer School. Is it appropriate for me?
Midwives, academics, curators, artists, filmmakers, medics, health professionals, art historians, policy advisors and the general public are all welcome at the Birth Rites Collection Summer School. As a participant, you will enter the course with your own skill set and finish with a bespoke multimedia pack of visual, textual, auditory, photographic, filmic and performative material, to be used in your own future work.
If you would like to discuss your suitability for the Summer School in person, please email helen@birthrites.org.uk.
What is the difference between the in-person Summer School and the online Summer School?
The online Summer School takes place online, over 5 weeks from Wednesday 1st - Wednesday 29th July. We will have one session of approximately 2.5 hours each Wednesday evening (BST), and one session on the afternoon of Saturday 18th July. Participants can join from anywhere in the world, and all the lectures, workshops and discussions will take place online. We use videos shot in situ when works have been on display at various institutions which enable an online tour of the collection, the website and access to all the films, plus extra information held by the curatorial team about individual works. This year we are curating a special online digital room with works which are not normally on show but respond to the 2026 theme: Reproduction and the State.
The in-person Summer School is an intensive 4-day course that takes place at the host institution, in the past at King’s College London and the University of Kent. Most participants stay in the university accommodation and the lectures, workshops and discussions take place in-person at the university, where we engage with artworks from the collection in situ. All lectures take place in person except for the technical support which may be recorded and online.
Where does the in-person Summer School take place?
The in-person Summer School was last held at University of Kent, Canterbury Campus. This year there is no in person summer school.
What happens if I have to leave early one day, or can’t attend every session in full?
We understand that everyone is busy and the Summer School represents a significant time commitment. We hope everyone will be able to join us for the full course but if you do have to miss a session, we can send you the materials online to catch-up in your own time.
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