Could you briefly introduce yourself? What drives you creatively and entrepreneurially, and what have you taken away from this EXIST-Women scholarship experience?
My name is Danielle Shufra, I’ve been living in Berlin since 2020, I’m an artist and a mother. In 2023, I graduated with a Master’s degree in Spatial Strategies from weissensee school of art and design berlin, and in 2024, I took part in the EXIST-Women program. This scholarship was a wonderful experience, allowing me to focus on my entrepreneurial project while gaining valuable tools to crystallize and foreground my vision.
Reflecting on your studies, what key insights have shaped your thinking, and what gaps have you noticed?
As a student of Spatial Strategies at weissensee school of art and design berlin, I felt privileged to engage in discussions that challenged political and artistic ideas, surrounded by an enriching and supportive community of professors and peers. Together, we tackled important issues in Western thought and developed complex, critical approaches to both contemporary and historical topics in the arts and culture. However, I believe the program, like many other art programs, lacks a pragmatic approach to career paths and artistic opportunities. Although I have an entrepreneurial background, I had to shift my thinking from the artist’s perspective to an entrepreneurial one for my project at EXIST-Women.
Tell us about your founding idea. What is its potential, and what motivates you to commit to this path? How have your cultural background and personal experiences influenced the way you build and sustain your artistic venture?
My founding idea is to establish »Exhibiting Motherhood«, a space for mothers within an artistic framework. Its goal is to provide a safer space for mothers to gather and reflect on motherhood* within the art world, through talks, film screenings, a book club, and events, and also just to hang out and meet other mothers* and parents. After graduating from Spatial Strategies, I was looking for opportunities to establish the various ideas I had in mind. As a fresh graduate and a foreigner, I felt the need to strengthen my connections here while building a career in Berlin.
As a mother, artist, and aspiring entrepreneur, how has parenthood shaped your creative vision and approach to business? Has it influenced your definition of success?
Definitely. As a mother of two young children, my career is not always the center of my attention. My resources are currently more limited, and as a mother to a 5-month-old baby, I’m working at a slower pace at the moment. But motherhood has taught me so much and it has shifted my center of attention to be more focused on the generation after me, in everything I do basically. As for my career and business, I focus on revenue and creating a sustainable financial plan. I now view success as something broader, incorporating various aspects of my life, balancing time spend with my kids with the energy and time I devote to my career.
Your work intersects with art, culture, feminism, and motherhood. How do these perspectives shape your attitude, philosophy, and methodology as both an artist and aspiring entrepreneur?
As a mother, I experienced some difficulties in the art world, being unable to participate in events in the evenings, not being able to travel to residencies, and generally missing many opportunities that have been unavailable to me. Being affected by these life experiences has pushed me to question the art world as a space that is suitable for people with families. Many times in the life of a young artist, you grab every opportunity you get, but when I became a mother, I minimized my risks and sought out opportunities that allowed steady income and flexible working hours, aligning with time it takes me to care for my kids. I believe that topics of parenthood often fall under the radar. As I realized the shifts and compromises I had to make in order to maintain a career and take part in the art and culture field, I realized it’s a political issue that needs to be addressed.
Navigating the »start-up world«, do you aim to work within its existing structures, or do you see yourself challenging and reshaping systems like capitalism or patriarchy? If so, how? If not, what is your long-term vision for your idea?
I believe I have no choice but to challenge the existing order, from the content of my entrepreneurial idea to the practical strategies I need to implement to reach my goals. Capitalism as well as patriarchy, needs to be reframed from a society of individuals to one based on community, where goals are achieved collectively and not at the expense of others. Furthermore, we need to recognize motherhood as a fundamental part of production. Raising active, productive, and contributing humans depends on nurturing them in their early years, which is crucial to their development.
The landscape for women in entrepreneurship is evolving. What changes would you like to see, and what do you think is needed to better empower women—especially those with creative and cultural ventures?
In one of our workshops at EXIST-Women cohort, it was shared that fewer women launch businesses compared to men, since women tendency is to not launch their ideas, until they are flawless. As women, I believe we should capitalize on our tendencies. This means being aware of our weaknesses and transforming them into strengths. For example, as a mother, I have less time, which makes me more focused and efficient. I have kids which means my communication skills are extraordinary: I know how to negotiate, I know how to make people do what I want, I have collected numerous marketing skills, I have expertise in stress management, and of course I can multitask easily, as I do it each and every day. All of this knowledge and skills can, and should be implemented into careers and entrepreneurship, hence be translated to money.
Beyond your own artistic practice, what broader impact do you hope to create? Are there industries or societal structures you believe need transformation, and how do you envision contributing to that change?
Definitely. I believe we are living through a very challenging time in history, where many of humanity’s achievements seem to be crumbling under the weight of oppressive leaders and chaos agents. This is impacting our lives and the lives of future generations. I believe in the power of alliances, beyond nationality, gender, and class. As a mother and as a human being experiencing this difficult moment, I believe we need to challenge oppressive forces through education, gathering, and raising our voices as much as we can. We must also remember that we are part of a larger society, and through our own influential circles, we have the power to create change.
If you could pioneer something entirely new, what would it be? Is there a specific problem you’ve always wanted to solve or a concept you wish existed?
Before we wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share? Any reflections on the EXIST-Women scholarship, messages for fellow participants, or final thoughts?
The EXIST-Women scholarship was a powerful experience for me. I feel privileged to have been part of this program. I learned so much and was surrounded by inspiring women who supported my initiative, sharpened my ideas, and boosted my confidence as an entrepreneur. Regardless of whether your idea comes to fruition, I believe this program will significantly contribute to your career and personal growth. I’m incredibly grateful to have taken part in it and to have gone through this entrepreneurial journey with such brilliant minds.