With my children l create - Please help us get to Europe

Victoria Machipisa Start Date: Jun 25, 2025 - End Date: Dec 24, 2025
  • Cultural Exchange
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Professional Development
  • Finland
  • Spain
  • Austria

My Travel Story

by: Victoria Machipisa Start Date: Jun 25, 2025 - End Date: Dec 24, 2025
  • Cultural Exchange
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Professional Development
With My Children, I Create – Help Us Reach Europe

I’m Victoria Machipisa—a visual artist, a single mother of two young children (ages 6 and 3), and a woman living with a temporary disability. I’ve been invited to attend three rare family-friendly artist residencies across Finland, Spain, and Austria, spanning six months in total. These residencies are a dream come true—designed to support mothers like me, who want to continue creating without having to leave their children behind.

This opportunity is about more than just art—it’s about reclaiming my voice, honoring my role as a mother, and proving that creativity can thrive even through life’s toughest challenges.

Why this matters:

  • I will create a bold new body of work exploring motherhood, disability, and African identity.
  • I’ll involve my children in the creative process—allowing them to grow and heal alongside me.
  • I’ll host open studios and a final public exhibition.
  • I’ll build global networks and advocate for more inclusive, accessible art spaces—especially for mothers, disabled artists, and creators from the Global South.

Why I need your support:

While the residencies offer studio space and support, they do not cover:

  • Flights
  • Visas
  • Accommodation
  • Medical insurance
  • Food and daily living expenses for me and my children

I’m raising $ 30,611 USD to fund these essential costs and make this life-changing opportunity a reality.

Your support will:

  • Help me attend all three residencies safely with my children
  • Allow me to create and share meaningful art with the world
  • Prove that motherhood and creativity can coexist beautifully

Every donation, share, or message of support brings us one step closer.

Let’s show the world that single mothers, artists, and dreamers can rise—together.

With love and gratitude,

Victoria Machipisa

  • Finland
  • Spain
  • Austria