Organizations that serve and advance the status of women artists are essential and cherished resources. They are aware of the gender inequalities that exist in the art world and are dedicated to making a positive difference. The founders, board members, artist members, and volunteers work tirelessly to carry out their missions and level the playing field. By raising awareness and equality they benefit all of humanity.
As an advocate for women artists it is an honor to pay homage to the following women’s arts organizations that exist in the United States. Several years ago I had the pleasure of serving on the Board of Directors of a women’s organization in LIC, NY, that is no longer in existence. I know firsthand how much work and dedication is required to sustain an organization.
Information for this article was sourced from the organizations’ websites and previous articles I have written on this subject. Please visit the organizations websites to learn more about them.
Staggering Stats Reveal the Inequalities
There is an abundance of statistical evidence related to discrimination in the arts. On the National Museum of Women in the Arts website , nmwa.org, you’ll find this statement: “Women artists have been marginalized for centuries. Gender bias is less overt today, but contemporary women artists still face many obstacles and disparities, as well as persistent underrepresentation in museum collections and exhibitions worldwide. Their historical precursors still deserve to have their stories told.”
Here are some unfortunate statistics:
* Women earn half of the MFAs granted in the United States; however, only a quarter of solo exhibitions in New York galleries feature women.
* According to the renowned Guerrilla Girls, guerillagirls.com, “Less than 5% of the artists in the Modern Art section of New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art are women, but 85% of the nudes are female.”
* Women lag behind men in directorships held at museums with budgets over $15 million, holding 24% of art museum director positions and earning 71¢ for every dollar earned by male directors.
National Association of Women Artists (N.A.W.A)
Established in 1889, N.A.W.A. is the oldest women’s fine art organization in the United States. The organization’s address is 15 Gramercy Park South, Suite 301, New York, NY.
This vibrant community of women artists strives to have women achieve a stronger presence in the art world. It supports its members and women artists at large through exhibitions, programs and education.
In 1991, under the direction of Liana Moonie, The N.A.W.A. Permanent Collection was established. Housed at the Jane Voorhees Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers University it contains the work of N.A.W.A. artists dating from the organization’s inception to the present.
N.A.W.A. offers membership to professional women artists, emerging artists, and student artists. Its members represent all areas of the visual arts including painting, sculpture, photography, print-making, encaustic, video art, installations and mixed media. The N.A.W.A. website contains an online gallery that features its members.
Applications for Regular Membership and Student Membership NAWA membership are accepted twice a year — spring and fall. Interested women artists are welcome to consider applying. Associate Members may join without being juried in October of each year. NAWA members also have the opportunity to join the Florida Chapter and participate in exhibitions and activities in Florida during November through March.
Visit the N.A.W.A. website at thenawa.org
Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club
Catharine Lorillard Wolfe (1828-1887) was a prominent New York philanthropist and art collector, and the only woman among the 106 founders of The Metropolitan Museum of Art. In addition to bequeathing her painting collection to the museum, Ms. Wolfe left an endowment to Grace Church in Manhattan to promote women’s work. At the urging of Rector Dr. William Reed Huntington and several parishioners, the Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club was established in 1896. The purpose at the time was to provide aid, counsel and exhibition opportunities to young women artists in New York City.
Today’s members are represented in museums, prestigious art collections, the Who’s Who series in American art and in homes around the world. Their media include oil, watercolor, pastel, graphics and sculpture.
The Club’s major event is the Annual Open Juried Exhibition. This event provides opportunities for members and non-members alike to show their work in the heart of the world’s art capital, New York City, and over $18,000 in awards is given each year. A Museum curator also serves on the Jury of Awards for the Annual Exhibit and gives a talk at both the Preview Reception and the Awards Dinner.
In addition to the Open Juried Exhibition, the Club sponsors the Members Annual exhibition each spring and a Benefit Reception to subsidize the Travel and Research Fund for the Department of American Arts of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Occasional lectures and demonstrations are open to Members, Associates, Donors, Patrons and Benefactors.
Women artists may apply to the Membership Committee for consideration as a full artist member.
Visit the Catharine Lorillard Wolfe website clwac.org
Woman Made Gallery
Woman Made Gallery (WMG), located at 685 North Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, Illinois, was founded in 1992. Since its inception the vision of WMG has been, to ensure the equal placement of women’s art in the world.”
Through the years WMG has maintained a steadfast loyalty to women in the arts by providing many opportunities, awareness and advocacy. The esteemed organization is recognized as, a vehicle to achieve artistic and economic equality for women in the arts. It supports, encourages and promotes the diverse contributions of women visual artists, performing artists, and writers through many outstanding programs that include exhibitions, educational programs, and community outreach.
From 1992 through 2014 WMG presented 378 exhibitions to raise awareness and recognition of women’s cultural contributions. It has exhibited the art of more than 7,500 women artists in its ongoing exhibitions on a variety of themes, ranging from those related to domestic violence and religious freedom and different stylistic themes such as the still life and surrealism.
The organization offers three different membership levels at very affordable rates with many benefits.
Visit the Woman Made Gallery website womanmade.org
“When you educate a girl, you educate a nation.” ~ Elizabeth Nyamayaro, author of “I Am a Girl from Africa: A Memoir of Empowerment, Community, and Hope”
Elizabeth Nyamayaro is a political scientist and former senior advisor to Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director for UN Women. She is the head of HeForShe, a movement founded by UN Women to empower all humans, especially men and boys, to have a voice and take action to achieve gender equality in their own lifetime.
ArtTable
ArtTable was founded by a group of professional women in the visual arts in 1980. It is the leading national nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing women’s professional leadership in the visual arts. The prestigious organization offers opportunities for women at all stages of their careers. Its diverse program of activities and initiatives advances the status of women artists.
ArtTable continuously recognizes and promotes the achievements of outstanding women in the visual arts and hosts over 150 programs annually throughout the United States. These activities include: Special access to VIP exhibitions, previews, art fairs and collections; exclusive networking opportunities with colleagues and leaders in the field; panel discussions and topic dinners on pressing issues in the artworld; and professional development workshops.
The organization is comprised of a professional network of 1,200 women throughout the country with many chapters including those in Chicago and New York City. To qualify for membership women must have a minimum of five years’ experience in the field, and exemplify leadership in the management, business, administration, promotion, interpretation, scholarship, and stewardship of the visual arts.
ArtTable presents an annual Anniversary Benefit and Award Ceremony. At this event it honors selected collectors, philanthropists, curators, and other art leaders with distinguished awards.
Visit the ArtTable website arttable.org
“The men liked to put me down as the best woman painter. I think I’m one of the best painters.”
~ Georgia O’Keeffe
NLAPW
The National League of American Pen Women (NLAPW) has been offering a place for women artists, writers, composers and choreographers to enrich their professional lives through networking, professional development, exhibits, concerts, publications and service to the community for more than 100 years. Its membership is comprised of journalists, painters, choreographers, sculptors, illustrators, songwriters, poets and many other women who are in creative fields.
The non-profit corporate mission statement of the NLAPW is: “To encourage, recognize, and promote the production of creative work of professional standard in Art, Letters, and Music, and through outreach activities provide educational, creative, and professional support to members and non-members in these disciplines.’ The core values of the NLAPW are respect, knowledge, creation and preservation of the arts.”
The NLAPW consists of 82 branches, 20 State Associations and many Members-at-Large. There are over 1,600 professional women artists, writers, composers, and choreographer members of the League, some in large cities such as New York, Atlanta, the San Francisco Bay area, and Honolulu, and others in rural areas, such as Vermont, the Dakotas and in Hawaii.
Visit the NLAPW website nlapw.org
SoHo20 Gallery
SOHO20 was established in 1973 and it officially received its 501(c)3 Status in the 1980’s. SOHO20 Gallery has continued its mission of increasing public awareness of the excellence and diversity of women’s art throughout the 1980’s, 1990’s and 2000’s.
Through the years, SOHO20 has: increased emerging artist memberships; continued quality member exhibits, implemented fellowship memberships, featured numerous shows that address crucial social and political issues, organized group shows featuring women from diverse cultural backgrounds, as well as hosting panel discussions about significant art topics.
SOHO20 Gallery is now located at 56 Bogart Street, Brooklyn, NY. Its mission continues to support highly committed women artists through extensive exhibition programs and an exciting mix of events. A rigorous jurying process ensures the high quality of gallery membership and exhibitions. The gallery’s commitment to diversity brings a broad and impressive range of works to the public’s attention each season.
Visit the SoHo 20 website at soho20gallery.com
Women’s Caucus For Art
The Women’s Caucus for Art was founded in 1972 in connection with the College Art Association (CAA). WCA is a national member organization unique in its multidisciplinary, multicultural membership of artists, art historians, students, educators, and museum professionals.
The mission of the Women’s Caucus for Art is to create community through art, education, and social activism. WCA is committed to recognizing the contribution of women in the arts; providing women with leadership opportunities and professional development; expanding networking and exhibition opportunities for women; supporting local, national and global art activism; and advocating for equity in the arts for all.
As an NGO (non-governmental organization) of the United Nations, the Women’s Caucus for Art actively supports the UN Millennium Goals. WCA utilizes art as the universal language to engage artists, NGOS, and civil society on a broad range of issues such as gender equity and environmental sustainability.
As a founding member of the Feminist Art Project, WCA is part of a collaborative national initiative celebrating the Feminist Art Movement and the aesthetic, intellectual and political impact of women on the visual arts, art history, and art practice, past and present.
Visit the WCA website at nationalwca.org
Connecticut Women Artists
Connecticut Women Artists, Inc. (CWA) is a statewide organization of highly accomplished artists working in a variety of media including painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, assemblage, photography, clay, metal, fiber, textiles, and glass. Connecticut Women Artists, Inc. has promoted and supported professional women artists for over 90 years. It’s mission is “to foster and promote interest in the visual arts by women artists in Connecticut, to maintain the highest possible standards of achievement among them, to provide exhibitions, and to encourage any other activities beneficial to artistic endeavors.”
The opportunities for artist members include exhibiting their art at respected galleries and museums and networking with other accomplished artists, among other benefits.
Visit the Connecticut Women Artists, Inc. website at ctwomenartists.org
Manhattan Arts International Annual Exhibition
Every year I curate an online exhibition of women artists on the Manhattan Arts International website.
Ceres Gallery
Ceres Gallery is a feminist, not-for-profit, alternative gallery in New York City, dedicated to the promotion of contemporary women in the arts. Ceres provides an exhibition space that enhances public awareness and helps remediate women’s limited access to commercial galleries. It also serves as a supportive base for a diversity of artistic and political views.
Over the years Ceres has encouraged not only artists but writers, musicians, dancers, poets and storytellers to perform in the gallery and take risks with their work that might not be possible in a commercial setting. The members of Ceres Gallery believe the arts provide an important social service – that art has the power to educate, enhance and enrich the quality and depth of people’s lives.
Ceres provides a showcase for women artists regardless of age, artistic style or commercial viability to exhibit their work in New York City. It is not restricted in style, medium or theme. Many artistic and political events are presented throughout the year with participation by gallery artists and artists from the larger arts community. The gallery operates as a democracy which means members vote on all decisions including the review of possible new members and they participate in monthly meetings to plan the overall direction of the gallery.
In addition, Ceres has a professional Director to facilitate the smooth running of all programs and exhibitions. Currently, Ceres has a roster of showing artists from the New York metropolitan area and from across the country with a small number from countries outside the U.S.
Visit the Ceres Gallery website at ceresgallery.org
“Ah, well, do I wish that we lived in a world where gender didn’t figure so prominently? Of course. Do I even think about myself as a woman when I go to make art? Of course not.”
~ Judy Chicago
A.I.R. Gallery
A.I.R. Gallery, located at 155 Plymouth St., Brooklyn, N.Y., is the first non-profit, artist-run gallery for women in the United States. Its mission is based on the feminist principles of economic cooperation and decision by consensus. Since its inception A.I.R. has continued “to offer an alternative venue for women that protects the creative process and the individual voice of the artist.”
Founded in 1972, A.I.R. offers women artists a space to show work “as innovative, transitory and free of market trends as the artists’ conceptions demands.”
In 1993, the A.I.R. Gallery established the Fellowship Program for underrepresented or emerging artists. The A.I.R. program includes mentoring and professional development for six artists over a 12-month period in preparation for a solo show at A.I.R. Gallery.
All women artists not having a solo show in the last 10 years and residing in the greater New York metro area are eligible. The A.I.R. Fellowship includes a scheduled gallery exhibition, member artist liaison and an additional stipend.
Visit the A.I.R. website at airgallery.org
ARC Gallery
Arc Gallery is an internationally recognized exhibition space located at 2156 North Damen, Chicago, Illinois, that has been an integral part of the Chicago art scene since its inception in 1973. Founded during the women’s movement as an alternative to the mainstream gallery system, ARC is one of the oldest co-ops of its kind in the country.
As a non-profit, woman artist-run cooperative, ARC continues its feminist tradition by providing exhibition opportunities for professional and emerging artists working in all media based on excellence of artwork, without discrimination toward gender, race, age, class, physical/mental ability, sexual, spiritual or political orientation.
ARC works to empower women by providing professional and mentoring opportunities in the visual arts. ARC serves to raise public awareness on various community-based issues by presenting exhibits, workshops, discussion groups and programs by, and for, underserved populations.
Visit the ARC Gallery website at arcgallery.org
American Women Artists (AWA)
American Women Artists is a non-profit organization dedicated to the inspiration, celebration, and encouragement of women in the visual fine arts. Since its inception, AWA has worked diligently to bring women artists to the attention of the art world through museum shows, juried competitions in leading galleries around the country, festivals, symposiums, workshops and an international exchange. “Our goal is to increase the number of professional opportunities for women in the visual fine arts by creating the kinds of opportunities that lead to greater inclusion.”
AWA serves members throughout the U.S. along with a growing contingent of artists from Canada. It is an independent, tax-exempt non-profit organization that celebrated its inaugural exhibit in 1990 at the Tucson Museum of Art. It incorporated as a 501c3 in the state of New Mexico in 1998.
Visit the AWA website at americanwomenartists.org
The Feminist Art Project
The Feminist Art Project (TFAP) at Rutgers University in New Jersey, is an international collaborative initiative celebrating the Feminist Art Movement and the aesthetic, intellectual and political impact of women on the visual arts,art history and art practice, past and present.
TFAP is a strategic intervention against the ongoing erasure of women from the cultural record. The Project re-focuses public attention on the signal achievements of the Feminist Art Movement and shines a spotlight on current feminist art influences, trends and accomplishments.
TFAP promotes diverse feminist art events, education and publications through its website calendar. Website visitors can find exhibitions, lectures, artist talks, classes, films and other art related activities in their area or to include in their travel plans.
TFAP facilitates regional networking and program development internationally and throughout the U.S. by linking visitors to TFAP Regional Coordinators. Regional coordinators and groups work with artists, teachers, writers, curators and venues to develop and promote feminist art events. Interested web-visitors can learn how to become involved with The Feminist Art Project in their own communities by contacting a coordinator in their region.
Formore information visit feministartproject.rutgers.edu
Guerrilla Girls
The Guerrilla Girls are feminist activist artists. Over 55 people have been members over the years, some for weeks, some for decades. Our anonymity keeps the focus on the issues, and away from who we might be. We wear gorilla masks in public and use facts, humor and outrageous visuals to expose gender and ethnic bias as well as corruption in politics, art, film, and pop culture.
We undermine the idea of a mainstream narrative by revealing the understory, the subtext, the overlooked, and the downright unfair. We believe in an intersectional feminism that fights discrimination and supports human rights for all people and all genders.
We have done over 100 street projects, posters and stickers all over the world, including New York, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Mexico City, Istanbul, London, Bilbao, Rotterdam, and Shanghai, to name just a few.
We also do projects and exhibitions at museums, attacking them for their bad behavior and discriminatory practices right on their own walls, including our 2015 stealth projection about income inequality and the super rich hijacking art on the façade of the Whitney Museum in New York.
Visit the Guerrilla Girls website at guerrillagirls.com
FemArt Gallery
FemArt Gallery is a nonprofit organization that promotes women artists through Exhibitions, Educational Programs and Community Outreach. Its purpose is to offer exhibit spaces for women artists “who want to share their unique perspectives and passions with the public. We believe women have a lot to contribute to our cultural identity and it is our mission to exhibit them and promote them on a huge scale so that society cannot ignore their beauty.” As part of its mission: “We want to cultivate a better society through the promotion of women artists.”
The gallery invites visual artists to become members. Mediums accepted include oil, acrylic, watercolor, mixed media, sculpture, photography, pottery, murals, quilting, pastels, drawings, printmaking, illustrations “and any art form that can speak of your truth”.
Visit the FemArt Gallery website femartgallery.org
Thank You For Your Wonderful Organization.
Hello Renee!
I wanted to reach out as I am the founder of a new platform for female artists and artisans and people can find us at http://www.MadeByHer.com. We are a curated online marketplace where female creatives can sign up to sell their work. We’d love for you (and anyone else on here) to come check it out!
Renee, I really appreciate your effort in putting this list together. I have just signed on as a grant writer for NAWA and knowing about their peer organizations gives me valuable perspective!
Margaret, I’m delighted you found the article helpful. I’m a huge fan of NAWA and everything the organization does to bring equality to the art world. I’m currently working on the plans for “HerStory” 2021, an annual online art exhibition of women artists on my other site https://ManhattanArts.com. If you ever want to be a guest writer here with an article that includes some tips for artists and organizations and about your services as a grant writer let me know!
Thank you for the list of organizations that advance the cause of women in the arts. As the vice president of Connecticut Women Artists, I’d like to inquire on behalf of our organization whether it might be possible to include us on your list. We have been advancing and encouraging women in the arts for over 90 years. Our website is here: https://www.ctwomenartists.org/. If you have any questions, please ask!
Dear Diane, It’s a pleasure to learn about CWA. I added information about your organization in this article. I will also include your organization in my ebook “A Resource Guide for Women Artists”. Thank you for everything you do to enhance opportunities and equality for women artists. Best wishes to you and all members!
Hi Renee,
I’m stepping into my first manager role for another female artist and spending lots of time researching ways to get her connected with other feminist artists. This was such a helpful post! I really appreciate it.
Best,
Jessa
Jess, congratulations on your first manager role to help a woman artist. I’m glad you found this post helpful in your research and hope you visit here often. You may also want to check out the comprehensive ebook A Resource Guide For Women Artists. Best wishes! Renee
Really informative data.. This very issue has been a widely accepted practice even today.
Renee, you give much to create more opportunities. Thank you.
Renee, when I joined NLAPW (The National League of American Pen Women),I had to show a history of making money plus a body of work and resume. Also, you must be sponsored by someone who is a member in the league. If you do not know anyone you will be paired with someone so they can get to know you. Besides promoting women in the arts they also offer scholarships locally through the Branches. My Branch always offers at least 4-6 scholarships of a thousand dollars to graduating senior high school ladies.
Thank you Bonnie for sharing that important information. NLAPW is an organization lives up to its mission. I noticed today they have a call for artists: “Active, associate and allied art professionals, you are invited to submit your work for publication in the Pen Woman and on the NLAPW website. There is no submission fee, no deadline, and no limit to how often you may submit.” nlapw.org/2019/10/08/call-for-art
Thank you dear Renee for this awesome list. I have question, I don’t live in US , is this opportunities only for US citizens or there are some international organisations too? Thank you so much🙌🌹🌹
Niloufar, you’re welcome. I’m sure a few of these organizations are open to artists internationally. For example, Ceres Gallery shows a small number of artists from countries outside the U.S. Here’s an article about a few international arts organizations https://renee-phillips.com/international-arts-organizations-and-their-services/ You’ll also find many resources on our Resources and Opportunities page https://renee-phillips.com/resources-and-opportunities-for-artists/
This is an awesome article and I would just like to add that here in Jacksonville, Florida, we too are joining this list of important organizations that are committed to cultivating a better society through women’s vital voices in the arts. Our organization started in March 2017 and we have been mentored by Woman Made Gallery in Chicago. Our organization is FemArt Gallery, Inc. We are dedicated to promote women artists through exhibition opportunities, educational programs and community outreach.
Thank you Kimberly for letting us know about your wonderful organization FemArt Gallery, Inc. I’ve added your organization to the ebook “A Resource Guide for Women Artists“.
Have anything for old ladies?
Sharon, as far as I know these organizations are accepting of artists of all ages. But, on that subject, you may want to read A Positive Future For Maturing Artists https://renee-phillips.com/a-positive-future-for-maturing-artists/ and check out Carter Burden Gallery whose goal is “to create a dialogue with the arts community supporting our belief that older, lesser-known artists must not be overlooked due to age or decreased marketability in the current art scene. We demonstrate the transformative nature of art; the work we exhibit is vibrant, cutting-edge and important regardless of the artist’s age.” To learn more visit http://www.carterburdengallery.org/
Thank you Renee Phillips for this article. i am very proud to have been accepted as a member of the Women Made Gallery , thanks to your sound advice.
Hey Renee,
Lovely article! If you are looking to build on this list, please check out Hera Gallery in Wakefield, RI. Its been around since 1974 and is one of the oldest feminist art cooperatives in America!
All the best,
Adrien
Dear Adrien,
Thank you for informing me about Hera Gallery. Do you have a website for the gallery?
All the best,
Renee
The National League of American Pen Women has advanced women in arts, letters and music for over 100 years. http://www.nlapw.org/about/
Dear Heather,, Thank you for your comment reminding me about the NLAPW. As you can see I since added the outstanding organization to the article. Best regards, Renee
What a great list! I will definitely look into it deeper and end up contacting some of these soul sisters! Thank you Renee for all your great work, you’ve been such a strong reference for building my career to where it is now. With gratitude, Gaia
That’s wonderful Gaia! If you know of any women’s arts organizations in Canada please email them to me so I can create an international resource listing. All the best, Renee
Thank you, Renee, for writing the article focusing on women artists. The links you listed will help in finding more information on this topic. Well done!
Thank you Mary Lou, I know you have been a staunch women’s advocate, so your comment means a lot to me.
Thanks Renee !