Creating a collective visual statement for IWD 2026

When women’s art fills public spaces, it doesn’t just decorate. It disrupts, questions, and expands on who gets to be seen and heard.

Public art by women turns everyday streets into living galleries of perspective, power, and possibility.

Visibility isn’t vanity. It’s validation. And it can change what the next generation believes is possible.
 

IWD provides a powerful moment to spotlight creative women

To support this direction, an exciting collaboration is underway.

IWD 2026 sees five women artists take over a series of digital billboards in London, UK as part of a public art initiative designed to shift visibility, representation, and narrative in outdoor space.

This initiative aligns with the IWD 2026 campaign theme focus of "Give To Gain" through providing an opportunity in order for women to gain greater exposure and recognition. It champions visibility, opportunity, and recognition for women in the arts. This exciting IWD collaboration is with Creative Flair and Women in Art.

For many years, IWD has supported a key mission to celebrate the talent of women creatives and allies, and elevate their visibility for commercial projects and commissions.
 

A platform for women’s artistic expression

The fabulous initiative transforms commercial billboard space into a public stage for women’s creativity.

Public advertising environments are among the most powerful visual spaces in our cities. They shape perception. They influence culture. They tell us what matters. Yet not enough do these spaces showcase women’s independent creative voices.

Outdoor advertising locations are high visibility environments. They are democratic. They reach commuters, families, collectors, passers-by, and communities who may never step into a gallery.

Visibility builds confidence. Representation builds momentum. Public presence builds legitimacy.

By contributing to the exposure of women’s artwork in large-scale public settings, this initiative asks a simple but powerful question: "What happens when creative space is shared more equitably?"
 

Celebrating diverse perspectives and lived experiences

An open call invites women artists to submit works that explore themes of empowerment, identity, resilience, and creative voice.

Submissions are reviewed in terms of:

• Artistic quality
• Conceptual strength
• Relevance to the spirit of International Women’s Day
• Visual impact at large-scale

Five artworks will be selected for their ability to command attention in public space while reflecting diverse perspectives and lived experiences.
 

From commercial billboard to creative platform

The selected artworks will appear repeatedly throughout March 8 on digital screens along major routes near London’s busiest cultural hubs. Each piece is seen multiple times per hour, transforming a traditionally commercial environment into a site of celebration, reflection, and representation.

The five London billboards are:

• Kings Cross - A major commuter hub connecting six underground lines, international rail, and one of London’s busiest pedestrian corridors.
• Angel Islington - A vibrant creative and residential district with constant footfall from offices, restaurants, and nightlife.
• Shoreditch - One of London’s most photographed streets, packed with creatives, tourists, and street culture.
• Waterloo - Directly next to one of Europe’s busiest train stations, with nonstop commuter and tourist flow.
• Tower Bridge - A global landmark location seen by thousands of tourists and Londoners every day.
   

Elevating and celebrating women artists

This exciting Women in Art on the Streets initiative underpins further ongoing efforts to elevate emerging artists through public exposure, accessible opportunities and collaborative community building.

Creative space should not be limited to institutions, but should extend into the streets, everyday life, and the shared visual language of our cities.

But, the mission continues well beyond one day. Because when women’s creativity is visible, culture evolves.

Looking to get involved?

Want to get your work seen on a London billboard on International Women's Day - March 8?

Learn more here.