Self-care

Self-care is more than individual wellness; it is a political and collective act, especially for those most affected by exclusion and systemic oppression. It means valuing everyone who makes artistic projects and community life possible: the artists and collaborators creating the work, the organisers and facilitators holding the structures, the caregivers and families providing support, the communities who participate and respond, and the networks that resource and advocate. Practising care resists the culture of overwork and helps repair burnout. In collaborative settings, self-care is both personal and shared: noticing our own needs, respecting others’ boundaries, and offering support. While it looks different for everyone, weaving in collective practices, like check-ins, embodied practices, shared breaks, or reflection, can sustain both the group and the individual.