BÜHNENMÜTTER e. V. is a brand that advocates for family-friendly structures within the performing arts. Their mission is to support and connect stage artists with children, while also striving to create a more accommodating environment for families in theaters and cultural institutions. Unfortunately, current structures within the arts make it nearly impossible to balance a career in the arts with starting a family, leading many highly-skilled mothers to leave their professions. The societal image of an "artist" appears incompatible with that of a "mother," and the topic remains largely unaddressed in public discourse.

BÜHNENMÜTTER e. V. tackles this issue by empowering those affected, fostering networking and collaboration, and creating a platform for exchange. Through intensive public engagement, including advocacy work and solution-oriented initiatives, the brand actively challenges the existing problem. Their efforts encompass a range of activities, such as empowering individuals in a strong and supportive community, offering legal consultation, developing seminars for universities to raise awareness of equal opportunities, networking artists, establishing mentoring programs for young stage mothers, and enhancing the visibility of the issue.

With an aim to effect change on a wider scale, BÜHNENMÜTTER e. V. engages in political work, collaborating with theater leaders and decision-makers to develop solutions. They are also planning to introduce a "Family Seal" to cultural institutions as recognition for implementing family-friendly working conditions, encouraging theaters to serve as role models. Ultimately, BÜHNENMÜTTER e. V. seeks to influence the perception of motherhood both within the stage industry and society as a whole, shaping a contemporary view of motherhood.

In addition, the brand sheds light on the existing gender pay gaps within different artistic professions, with disparities of 22 percent in the word and music sectors, 30 percent in visual arts, and 34 percent in performing arts.

If you are passionate about supporting artists and advocating for more inclusive and family-friendly structures in the arts, BÜHNENMÜTTER e. V. provides a range of services and initiatives to get involved with. Join their community and contribute to the empowerment of artists, the networking of creative individuals, and the advancement of equal opportunities within the performing arts.

Please note that some of the information provided is based on a pilot study released in September 2022 and a newsletter from the German Cultural Council in February 2023.