The Manifesto of Visibility and Voice is a global initiative inviting women working across the funeral profession to share their lived experiences through creative expression.

This is not a competition. It is a collective movement designed to gather authentic stories and artistic submissions that reflect the realities — both positive and challenging — of women’s work in funeral care around the world. Works will form an international exhibition scheduled for later this year, shining a spotlight on the essential contributions women make to funerals, memorialisation, and bereavement support.

A Platform for Expression and Recognition

Women have long played a vital role in the funeral sector — as funeral directors, arrangers, embalmers, mortuary professionals, celebrants, support staff, suppliers, and leaders within professional associations. Yet their experiences are often underrepresented in public and professional narratives.

The Manifesto of Visibility and Voice seeks to change that by creating space for reflection, dialogue, and visibility. Through creative submissions such as photography, painting, collage, and short video, participants are encouraged to express their journeys, insights, challenges, and achievements.

No formal artistic training is required. The initiative values authenticity, emotional honesty, and personal perspective above technical skill.

Exploring Key Themes

Submissions may explore themes including:

• Visibility and professional recognition
• Voice and leadership
• Compassion and care
• Tradition and innovation
• Workplace culture and change
• Personal growth and resilience

By bringing these perspectives together in a global exhibition, the initiative aims to foster dialogue within the profession, promote greater understanding, and celebrate the evolving role of women in a historically male-dominated field.

Who Can Participate

The call for submissions is open to all women working in funeral services worldwide. Trade associations and organisations are also invited to participate by encouraging and showcasing the voices of the women they represent.

Key Information

• Submission deadline: 31 March 2026
• Enquiries and submission: alison.heritage@thanos.org

>> Submission details

We encourage women across the global funeral community to take part in this important collective project — to stand visible, to speak with confidence, and to contribute to a shared record of professional experience that will inspire reflection and progress across the sector.