Research Background: Animation history attests to the many and varied interests and endeavours alongside and behind a pursuit of moving imagery. Moreover, the techniques of animation invite engagement with a diverse range of media. The range of talents that inform animation practice and the various tangential pursuits that engage its practitioners deserve attention and recognition in forums other than those regularly associated with the animated screen. If the Disney mouse is acknowledged as the symbol of the animation industry and big business entertainment, and the computer mouse is appreciated as the ubiquitous tool of animators, teachers, and academics, then what is of interest to this exhibition is the work that is undertaken unbidden, downtime, for love and not for money, which springs out from the shadows of capital 'A' animation. Research Contribution: Shadow of a Mouse brings to light artistry and expression that has until now been eclipsed by cartoon characters or just kept in the dark. It presents the work of 10 practicing artists working in ink, pencil, paint, porcelain, 3Dsoftware, digital ink and paint, and scissors and paper addressing themes of contemporary significance not usually associated with Animation in the popular imagination. Research Significance: The works employ a range of media to address themes of identity, appearance, politics and belonging. Sufi ideals fostering tolerance and respect meet political commentary, while Indonesian shadow puppets, superhero comics, Persian carpets, and the satirical cartoon form a backdrop to, and inspiration for, this breadth of conceptions. While these works may have informed or grown out of the animated image, they now stand alone as unique and holistic expressions contributing to the breadth of medium and styles reaching beyond animation and cartoon preconceptions.