International Women’s Day Comes To Chapel Street

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY COMES TO CHAPEL STREET

Women artists have made significant contributions to the development of contemporary art and our Chapel community. Still, inequality often occurs. According to research conducted by Macquarie University and the Australia Council in 2020, female artists in Australia continue to earn less than their male counterparts.

”With a total income gap of more than 25%, women artists throughout all artistic professions are subject to gender-related disadvantages and discriminations in pursuing their creative practice.” said Bettina Baldeschi, Chief Executive Officer, International Women’s Development Agency (IWDA), a leading Australian agency committed to defend and advance gender equality for all in Asia and the Pacific.

Among Australian artists, women earned 30% less from their creative work, which is greater than the workforce gender pay gap of 14.2% in recent years. As claimed by ABC News, despite 75% of art school graduates being female, male artists were significantly better represented across the sector. These findings reflect discriminatory practices affecting women across society, particularly severely in the art industry.

“As we celebrate women artists’ unique voices and creativity, we continue to be inspired by their spirits, achievements and hard work,” said Andy Dinan, Director of MARS Gallery, who championed the Chapel Street Precinct collab project.

“Imagine if every gallery corresponded with International Women’s Day, we would promote much more diverse gender representation to mitigate the impact of bias against women artists.” continued Andy Dinan.

“I have been blessed to work with some of the greatest creative minds and leaders in our community who are women. For us to excel as a society and business community it is incumbent on us all to create an environment that ensures gender equality is not something we merely strive for, instead, it should be an absolute minimum standard. Women must be truly empowered to excel and achieve their full potential without any hindrance or ingrained historical prejudice. If we don’t do so, we will all be the poorer for it.” said Justin O’Donnell, Executive Chairperson Chapel Street Precinct.

“Chapel Street Precinct boasts some of the most incredible businesswomen, artists and leaders. All have shown incredible resilience and grace over the last two pandemic years. I am in awe of their authentic leadership. I think we all need to appreciate that women are the greatest untapped resource in the world.” said Chrissie Maus, General Manager Chapel Street Precinct.

Chapel Street Precinct’s commissioned street poster artworks can be viewed in complete layout down the side of MARS Gallery (7 James St, Windsor) and strategically placed in various locations within the iconic Chapel Street Precinct.