IWD Portraits artwork by Victoria Smith
IWD Portraits: Women creatives are invited to submit and showcase their artwork and messages
Why is it important to elevate and celebrate women creatives?
The creative talent of women worldwide is impressive. Their work expresses, communicates, and connects.
The Arts, however, still has some way to go before true gender parity is achieved, especially in terms of gender disparities in visibility, revenue, sponsorships, grants and funding, and further areas.
As such, in order to Accelerate Action for women in the creative sector, women creatives from across the world are invited to submit their work and supporting statement as part of an ongoing initiative, IWD Portraits.
The IWD Portraits initiative is an exciting and important aimed at:
- celebrating the talent of women creatives worldwide
- reinforcing and elevating the visibility of women creatives
- encouraging the commissioning and purchasing of their work
- inspiring further women to enter the creative arts industry and to showcase their work
- inviting further audiences to engage with women creatives to offer support, exposure and funding
What is IWD Portraits?
IWD Portaits is an ongoing initiative supporting the collaborative activity of International Women's Day.
IWD Portaits provides an important and exciting opportunity to showcase the brilliant and thought-provoking artwork of women creatives.
Across the world, to mark International Women's Day (IWD) on March 8, women creatives are invited to share their portraits of women whom they admire across their social media feeds using the hashtags: #IWD2025 #AccelerateAction #IWDportaits
Women creatives are also encouraged to send in an image of their IWD Portrait, along with an accompanying artist statement about their subject in terms of who they are and for what reasons the subject is remarkable. Artist biographies, interviews, and weblinks are also invited.
A selection of submissions will be constantly published on the IWD website under IWD's Women Creatives Mission section.
Here's an example of one interview with a woman artist about her backstory and challenges, key motivations, and how she channeled her grief and sorrow into a world propelled by appreciation. Her portraits of women are truly inspiring!
Accelerate action for gender equality in the creative sector
Elevating the visibility of women creatives is crucial for several reasons, both within creative industries and society at large.
Representation and inspiration are key
Visibility provides young girls and aspiring creatives with role models who demonstrate that success in these fields is possible. It challenges outdated notions that certain creative fields, such as film making, music production, or technology-driven arts, are male-dominated. Women’s work often receives less media coverage, reducing its market reach and revenue potential. As such, gender biases can influence how audiences value and perceive creative works by women as compared to men.
Diversity of perspectives is needed
Women bring unique perspectives and lived experiences that enrich storytelling, design, art, and innovation. A diverse creative landscape better mirrors the multifaceted nature of society, ensuring more authentic and relatable works.
Challenging systemic inequalities and closing gender gaps
Historically, women have been underrepresented and undervalued in creative fields. Elevating their visibility helps correct this imbalance. Women creatives often face barriers to recognition, such as biases in awards, funding, and media coverage. Highlighting their work ensures they receive the credit they deserve.
Economic benefits matter
When more women succeed, it expands the creative economy by encouraging broader participation. Supporting women’s creative careers through increased visibility can lead to more opportunities for women to gain funding, collaborations, and leadership roles.
There's a cultural and social impact
Women’s voices are essential in shaping narratives that promote gender equality, challenge discrimination, and advocate for inclusion. Celebrating women creatives can empower entire communities by fostering pride and resilience.
Setting a precedent for future generations
Elevating women creatives now can create a strong foundation for a more inclusive and equitable creative industry for future generations. Encouraging gender equality across creative sectors signals the importance of gender parity beyond the arts, influencing broader societal attitudes.
By amplifying the voices and contributions of women creatives, we not only celebrate their achievements but also work toward a more equitable and enriched cultural landscape.
Fixing the gender pay gap
Women creatives often experience a gender pay gap because, on average, women tend to earn less revenue than their male counterparts across many creative industries. This income disparity can be attributed to systemic issues, biases, and structural barriers that women face.
There are many examples of women visual artists often selling their work for lower prices than male artists, even when they have similar levels of experience.
Women artists are less likely to be featured in major galleries or win lucrative commissions, which directly affects their income potential. Furthermore, men are more likely to secure higher-paying projects, funding, or leadership roles within creative industries. In the film industry, for example, male actors often earn significantly more than female actors for leading roles.
There is a significant opportunity to forge change and accelerate action for women in the creative sector. Thankfully, many organizations are fully aware of gender discrepancies in the creative sector and are implementing impactful policies and practices which help address such long-term gender inequality.
"When I attempt anything, I have a passionate determination to overcome every obstacle."
- Cecilia Beaux, first woman to teach art at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts -
Get involved with IWD Portraits
Looking to showcase your own IWD Portaits creation?
Share your work across your social media feeds using the hashtags: #IWD2025 #AccelerateAction #IWDportaits
And, if you'd like your IWD Portraits creation to be considered for potential publishing on the IWD website, send in:
- high resolution image of your IWD Portaits creation
- details rabout the subject, why they're remarkable, along with any further information about the subject choice
- artist profile and associated weblinks (i.e, website, social media feeds/handles)
- short statement attesting to ownership of the creation and no breach of copyright, plus permitting your image to be published perpetually on the IWD website and its associated social media feeds
For any questions, comments or support, please make contact.
Together, let's Accelerate Action for gender equality in the creative arts sector through celebrating and elevating the exciting and talented work of women creatives worldwide.