We all know the facts: Women are still dramatically underrepresented and undervalued in the world of arts and culture (and not only there by the way) and thus role models of women leaders are more important than ever. But underlying assumptions about gender and leadership run deep in society and are hard to change, even in a “progressive” and creative field like the arts. One way to achieve this is to expand our definition of who is a “powerful leader” and what constitutes “meaningful” representation of women.

Can women leaders increase the power that culture and arts has for a broader public discourse? Are organizations that embrace innovation and fresh ways of thinking about their interaction with the public also more equitable? Does a more meaningful representation of women lead to a less “elitist” image of art and culture in the broad public, outside of urban cities?

Let’s try to discuss these questions together on the occasion of this year's International Women’s Day. The ACF Washington organizes together with the Institute for Women Policy Research with the support of the ERASMUS+ program a “Salongespräch” / panel discussion about women leaders in culture and arts and which impact, except reaching the 50% representation, women in the art world can have for the communities they work for and with.

PANELISTS

STEFANIA PITSCHEIDER SORAPERRA

Director of the Frauenmuseum Hittisau (Austria)

WHITNEY RUTTER

Board President, ArtTable

MAKEBA CLAY

Senior Chief Diversity Officer, The Phillips Collection

Moderated by TOM MINTER, playwright and author

The discussion will be followed by a Q&A session and small cheese and wine reception.

VIDEO HERE