Since 2019, we have grown from a podcast about identity and labour into a cultural platform for peer exchange.
We use research, storytelling, and collaboration across disciplines to promote the inclusion of cultural workers in South Africa and the Netherlands.
ARCHIVE
ARCHIVE
we have documented stories from practitioners in the fields of visual arts, music, performance, design, film, literature and photography, among others.
we have documented stories from practitioners in the fields of visual arts, music, performance, design, film, literature and photography, among others.
Our story
From experimental audio conversations
to establishing an organisation
Our story
From experimental audio conversations
to establishing an organisation
BEGINNING our documentation practice
2019: We started as an independent research project recognising the need for accessible platforms that explore the intersections between identity, cultures of work and relationships in south africa.
2020: We launched the project’s first season during the pandemic, capturing first-person narratives about work and identity during a pivotal period.
Deepening and broadening our reach
2022: We conducted a second phase of interviews to expand our content and develop methods for creating safe conversational spaces for practitioners to openly discuss issues they've encountered in the cultural sector or society.
2024: We launched our second season. it synthesised emerging themes around burnout, creative work, workplace dynamics and the often invisible care labour that sustains cultural work.
registration and Current Focus
2025: We registered as a non-profit organisation. This allowed us to pursue specific programming, funding opportunities, and institutional partnerships.
2026: our research aligns closely with the themes of caring infrastructures and everyday practices of care in cultural work.
BEGINNING our documentation practice
2019: We started as an independent audio project recognising the need for accessible platforms that explore emotional labour, cultural practices, and work relationships in south africa.
2020: We launched the project’s first season during the pandemic, capturing first-person narratives about work and identity during a pivotal period.
Deepening and broadening our reach
2022: We conducted a second phase of interviews to expand our content and develop methods for creating safe conversational spaces for practitioners to openly discuss issues they've encountered in the cultural sector or society.
2024: We launched our second season. it synthesised emerging themes around burnout, creative work, workplace dynamics and the often invisible care labour that sustains cultural work.
registration and Current Focus
2025: We officially registered as an organisation. This allowed us to pursue specific programming, funding opportunities, and institutional partnerships.
2026: our research aligns closely with the themes of caring infrastructures and everyday practices of care in the arts.
collaborators
collaborators
Dean Salant
João Orecchia
Kgosi Motsoane
Lauren Mulligan
Merit Art Collective
Mother.Lab
Ryan Whyte
Skye Quadling
softwork studio
Vuma Levin
Yogin Sullaphen
Zen Marie
© are we our work
© are we our work
© are we our work