It’s no secret that within the arts and cultural industry there are exciting trailblazers for feminism. Yes, there are many knots that still need untangling, hurdles to jump, and a glass ceiling that we’re still chipping away at, but when nurtured responsibly, arts and culture can be an exciting hotbed for progress.
This year, we found ourselves taken by one wonderful piece of progressive print: the Women’s History Month in East London events guide, created in collaboration by Tower Hamlets Council and Alternative Arts. Not only does it bring forth and celebrate womanhood, it also captures how art and culture is the perfect platform for the multifaceted and intersectional identities of women.
The programme is full to the brim with events by women artists, activists, writers and performers. From Poet Lady Unchained’s platform for artists with lived experience of the criminal justice system; the Barbican Centre’s screenings of films by critically acclaimed but relatively unknown director Lina Wertmuller; Poplar Union’s multi-arts Women In Focus festival; the Bishopsgate Institute’s Feminism and Women’s History archives tour; and plenty more – the range of events is compelling at the very least.
The cover image, a painting called Flame from Korean artist Hyon Gyon’s exhibition at Parasol Unit, is also provocative. At first glance it is colourful, intriguing and very visually detailed. But on closer inspection it is a peek into the thought-provoking, powerful artworks that women are capable of. Though it doesn’t pretend to represent women universally – Flame speaks to Gyon’s direct experiences of her culture, emotions and Korean shamanism.
It’s our privilege to celebrate women across the world of arts and culture; today and beyond. And we’re proud of how progressive the industry is and it’s contribution to gender equality as a whole.
Together we can stride forward into a future of equality.
Do you have an important message to share? Reach your perfect audience with our range of print networks. Contact our team to find out more.