art meets health
The Holding Time Project is designed as an experiment in using art to improve breastfeeding rates, influence behaviour and improve perinatal mental health.
Working across the city with grassroots groups, NHS teams, hospitals, libraries and universities The Holding Time Project brings conversations about breastfeeding to the heart of the community through a multi-platform, multi-layered approach.
Mothers collaborating with artists and eachother, create exhibitions, workshops, radio programmes and social media events that will overturn stereotypes, challenge assumptions and inspire a new generation of families to find their way back to this miraculous, health-giving practice that has given humans health for millions of years.
The Project
city wide, from the grassroots to the latest research
Mothers and family members can experience an ancient feeding circle in this moving animation of Breastfeeding mothers
Mothers and maternal researchers share their perspectives on support, breastfeeding in public and other issues in 5 minute VLOGS
Large studio portraits celebrate the diversity and variety of breastfeeding by contemporary women in cities across the UK
Coming to a city near you
coventry city of culture 2021
Coventry city of breastfeeding
There has never been a more vital time to celebrate the unique health benefits of breastfeeding. With COVID bringing health to the foreground, The Holding Time Project is coming to Coventry to investigate, inspire and celebrate this city’s unique breastfeeding culture.
- Breastfeeding portraits
- Breastfeeding stories
- Breastfeeding Interviews
- Academic Interviews
- Multi-screen Installation
“I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you for your very beautiful portrait of Sabrina and Isabelle breastfeeding. It is now up on the expressing room wall and it certainly fills me with joy every time I see it and I’m sure it will be the same for our expressing mothers. Thank you so much”
Stacey Zimmels, Breastfeeding and Expressing Team, Royal Brompton Hospital, London
“It’s beautiful portrait Lisa. V well done again. I never expected less but there is just so much love in this shot.”
Karen Janody, Producer, RB&H Arts
” It was heart warming to see the gallery transformed into a welcoming community space where mothers could come and just be, taking time to sit and enjoy the installation and video.”
Lydia Heath, Gallery Manager, ONCA
From the BLOG