International Women’s Day – Rise: Because we are equal. #InspireInclusion
International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global day honouring and celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women all over the world. Since March of 1911, (yes 113 years ago!) globally, we have worked our way towards gender equity, celebrating women worldwide. The IWD campaign theme for 2024 is #InspireInclusion.
The upcoming exhibition at the Quinte Arts Council (QAC) is the 5th annual Rise: Because we are Equal, honouring the legacy of over a century of celebrations, marked by progress, empowerment, and the pursuit of equality. The QAC is proud to note the growth of this exhibition over the years, both with the public and participating artists, and that it provides a platform for local women artists to showcase their talent, amplifying diverse voices and perspectives within the community. Rise will run for the month of March.
Rise features artwork by over 20 local women artists, showcasing the diversity and talent of painting, illustration, photography, mixed media, textiles, sculpture, and ceramics. And that’s not all! We have added a performance by local Acadian musician Jeanette Arsenault, a powerhouse of a woman who embodies independence and Canadian pride.
Further, Rise aligns with our mandate, as we believe the arts belong to everyone, of all ages and stages, abilities, race, sexual orientation and gender, and our goal is to ensure diverse perspectives are represented and experienced through art. IWD and Rise mark a call to action for accelerating gender parity.
According to an article published in February 2022, Hill Strategies on Precarity of Women in Arts:
“Based on a review and analysis of more than 250 sources published between 2010 and 2018, the study provides evidence of the persistence of gender-based income gaps in several arts sectors and the limited recognition and dissemination that women’s artistic achievements receive in comparison to their male peers.”
IWD advocates for a world where everyone is valued and celebrated, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and inclusive society.
Of her work at Rise, Rhonda Nolan says;
“We, women, will rise together all over the world. It is our time to shine brilliantly. We have the spotlight. As an artist/painter I have seen and witnessed the omission of women in our art histories. Now I am particularly sensitive to find my rightful place as I continue travelling through my life. Male peers have long overshadowed and dominated women.
We have something urgent and vital to say. We will say it in a loud, firm yet intuitive voice. This is our strength, to seduce with love and generosity. This is the sensitive line in the feminine form. Our soft nourishment and love that we freely give to the world, without judgement, without attachment, without any expectation of return.”
Angela Wiggins adds in her artist statement:
“Statement pieces representing the spirit of women in different states of mind. Bright and bold as I want the viewer to take notice of why women shine and pause to reflect what the image represents.”
Join us on March 7th, 4-6pm for the opening reception of Rise: Because we are Equal, as we kick off the local IWD celebrations, and take action to drive gender equality, collectively forging a more inclusive world for all! Mark your calendars and spread the word. Let’s make a difference together! #InspireInclusion #IWD2024
