Ways to Increase Equality for Women Artists

Every year, since 2000, I have been curating “HerStory” exhibitions on the Manhattan Arts International website as one of the ways I take strides to increase equality for women artists. These exhibitions have promoted thousands of women artists from around the world. Before that, I curated several all women art exhibitions in public venues including the First Women’s Bank, that was located on 57th Street and Park Avenue in Manhattan.

One of the questions I continue to ask myself is what more can I do to make a difference?

You may be asking yourself the same question and are in search of answers and solutions. If so, I hope this article will help you. I put together several actions steps, questions, and resources, that contribute to balancing the scales of equality in the art world.

10 Positive Action Steps to Increase Equality for Women Artists

1. Help others understand and recognize the fact that inequality exists.
2. Become a member of a women’s arts organization.
3. Buy art created by women.
4. Introduce and make referrals of women artists to friends, associates, galleries, collectors, auction houses.
5. Share posts about women artists’ art, their events and exhibitions on social media.
6. Subscribe to women artists’ mailing lists and newsletters.
7. Join and participate in women’s arts organizations — regional, national, international, and online.
8. Launch your own women artists support/exhibiting group. Even a small positive group can make a big difference.
9. If you have an art blog write about a woman artist who has inspired you.
10. Mentor a younger emerging woman artist or art student.

10 Questions to Start Discussion and Increase Equality

Hope flourishes when we ask ourselves important life-changing questions and when we expand the conversation with others, including those who may be different than us. We need to keep an open mind about topics that affect not only us regionally but all women globally. We must maintain a non-judgmental attitude and exercise empathy, understanding, respect and tolerance.

1. What does the word “Feminism” mean to me?
2. How can women act together to strive for gender equality in our current political, cultural, and economic climate?
3. What can I teach my children about gender equality?
4. What concerns can I share with male artists?
5. What are the unique responsibilities of galleries, museums, scholars, artists, and arts advocates?
6. How can my art serve to communicate transformative messages about inequality?
7. What activists can I choose as role models and where can I follow them?
8. With whom can I collaborate to increase my power and all women artists’ power?
9. How can I channel my frustration to bring about positive and lasting change?
10. What unique personal attributes can I express to make a difference?

How Well Do You Know Famous Women Artists?

Take this Quiz and Share it!
This article/quiz is part of our series about women artists in coordination with our annual “HerStory” exhibitions. The purpose of this quiz to raise your awareness and education about famous women artists and to inspire you to spend time researching and reading more about them. Take the quiz and share the link: manhattanarts.com/how-well-do-you-know-famous-women-artists

Why I Curate “HerStory” Exhibitions

One of the most rewarding and proudest exhibitions I’ve curated have been of women artists. Prior to presenting them online on Manhattan Arts International I organized art exhibitions of women artists throughout NYC, NY. The reason is simple and also frustrating: For centuries, women artists have inspired, enlightened and informed us with their enormous talent, vision and commitment. Many have served as creative trailblazers. Unfortunately, many of their contributions have gone under-recognized.

The “HERStory” exhibitions provide a venue for outstanding yet under-recognized women artists. We have made great strides in establishing gender equality thanks to many movements, organizations, platforms, and events that have been relentless in their goal to eliminate the gender gap and biases. However, statistics prove we have a long way to go.

As Director of Manhattan Arts International and curator of the annual “HerStory” exhibition I won’t stop until there is a fair and equal balance of women artists represented by art museums, galleries, art book publishers, major private and public collections, auction houses, and the media.

Read About Women Art Organizations
Organizations that serve and advance the status of women artists are essential and cherished resources. Read the articles listed below. By raising awareness and equality they benefit all of humanity. Painfully aware of the gender inequalities that exist in the art world they 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.

Also Read

Organizations That Advance The Status of Women Artists