By Alison Crake, Chair of FIAT-IFTA Global Education Committee on behalf of members of the committee

On behalf of the FIAT-IFTA Global Education Committee, I am proud to launch “A Manifesto of Visibility and Voice” - a pioneering global initiative that invites women working in the funeral profession to share their stories through the universal language of art. This project is more than a creative endeavour; it is a call to action, a platform for advocacy, and a celebration of the vital, yet often unseen, contributions of women in funeral care.

The value of this project lies in its commitment to making visible the realities of women’s work - realities that are frequently quiet, sometimes overlooked, but always essential. Across cultures and throughout history, the role of women in death care has shifted dramatically, reflecting a rich tapestry of traditions, beliefs, and social change. Today, women continue to shape the profession, caring for the dead and supporting the living, yet their stories are too often left untold.

“A Manifesto of Visibility and Voice” seeks to change that. By inviting women - regardless of their role, background, or location to submit visual works such as photographs, paintings, collages, or short videos, we are building a creative archive that honours their experiences. Formal artistic training is not required; what matters is authentic expression, emotional content, and the courage to share one’s perspective. This is a space where every narrative is valued, and every voice is heard.

The project’s main themes - visibility and voice - are complemented by powerful supporting ideas such as compassion, community, tradition, change, innovation, and recognition, all of which encourage contributors to share authentic stories that reflect the diverse realities of women in funeral care. Each theme encourages women to reflect deeply on their journeys, illuminating both the challenges and triumphs that shape their professional and personal lives. By centring women’s perspectives in a field that has often been male dominated, we hope to foster dialogue, spark change, and celebrate the essential labour women perform every day.

Inclusivity is at the heart of this initiative. Submissions are open to all women working in the funeral profession, funeral directors, arrangers, embalmers, mortuary workers, service operatives, support staff, and more. We also welcome contributions from trade associations and corporate organisations wishing to showcase the voices of the women they represent. Accessibility is a priority, and we are working to offer support for those with limited internet access, language needs, or alternative submission requirements, ensuring that everyone can participate with confidence.

Submissions for “A Manifesto of Visibility and Voice” are now open and will close on 31 March 2026, with each individual able to submit up to three works. I strongly encourage early submissions, as this allows our curatorial team time to review, celebrate, and post your contributions on the Thanos website ahead of the closing date. To support and inspire participants, we will also be hosting two webinars in November - on Wednesday 26th and Thursday 27th November - where you can learn more about the project, ask questions, and connect with others from around the world.

It’s time to tell your story. Your voice matters - let it be part of this global manifesto.

For the full submission guidelines please click here >> Submission Guidelines and to register your interest in the webinars, please contact me at alison.heritage@thanos.org