A local arts organization has created a guide for artists on ways to balance caregiving with their creative work.

The Artists Caregivers Toolkit by Neighbourhood Dance Works is designed to help alleviate the stress of working in the arts while handling family and personal commitments.

Artistic Director Julia Carr says many of those involved in dance are balancing a multitude of things.

“We know that artists often juggle caregiving,” she told VOCM News.

“I became a mother, and you know, really, the demands of early motherhood are pretty rigorous. So not just raising kids, but also supporting elders, and balancing that with making creative work. And that’s a lot of invisible labour. And for gig workers or independent contractors, there aren’t usually supports in place.