The Women’s Initiative at the National Museum of African Art is part of an ongoing commitment to promote women artists of Africa through acquisitions, publications, programming, professional development, and ambitious exhibitions.
In 2014, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art undertook an assessment of its collection and learned that only 11% of the named artists within it identified as female. Thanks to funding from supporters for the Women’s Initiative, this number has now increased to 22%.
Recent and upcoming projects supported through this initiative include the exhibitions
I Am… Contemporary Women Artists of Africa
June 20, 2019 through July 5, 2020
Taking its name from a 1970’s feminist anthem, I Am… Contemporary Women Artists of Africa draws upon a selection of artworks by women artists from the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art’s permanent collection to reveal a more contemporary feminism that recognizes the contributions of women to the most pressing issues of their times. With experimental and sophisticated use of diverse media, the 27 featured artists offer insightful and visually stunning approaches to matters of community, faith, the environment, politics, colonial encounters, racism, identity, and more.
How You Can Help
The Women’s Initiative is about looking forward. Your contribution will support long-term initiatives and ensure that we continue to present our incredible programs and exhibitions to every visitor, always free and open to all.
Numbers only. Do not include “$”
