Did you know that Black women in the arts face significant underrepresentation and pay disparities? How can you support Black female artists during the International Week of Black Women in the Arts? What steps can be taken to address inequality in the art world? Explore the history, challenges, and ways to make a difference!
Every year, from February 7 to February 15, the International Week of Black Women in the Arts is observed across the United States. This week serves as a crucial opportunity to highlight the remarkable achievements of Black female artists in various fields, including music, visual arts, cinema, literature, and performing arts. It is also a time for individuals and organizations to come together and find ways to support Black women artists, promote their art, and raise awareness about the unique challenges they face in the art world.
Despite the undeniable presence and contributions of Black female artists, there is a stark reality that cannot be ignored: Black women artists remain underpaid, underrepresented, and often overlooked. This week aims to address these inequalities by shedding light on these issues and calling for concrete actions to uplift and support Black women in the arts.
The Struggles of Black Female Artists
The arts industry—whether it’s music, visual arts, dance, or literature—has long been dominated by systemic discrimination, and Black female artists experience some of the harshest inequalities. To fully grasp why this week of recognition is so important, it is essential to examine the disparities Black women face in the art world.
Gender Disparity in Art Exhibitions and Representation
Statistics show that while women make up about 51% of the population in the United States, they also account for roughly 51% of the visual artists in the workforce. However, despite this equal representation in numbers, women’s artworks constitute only about 3% to 5% of works displayed in museums or included in permanent collections. Furthermore, only 35% of female artists have their work featured in gallery shows or solo exhibitions.
When it comes to Black female artists, the inequality is even more pronounced. Many have not received the attention or compensation their work deserves. Black women face compounded discrimination, being marginalized both as women and as Black artists. This often results in limited exposure, lower wages, and fewer opportunities for representation.
The Pay Gap for Female Performing Artists
The entertainment industry is no stranger to gender-based pay inequality, and Black female performing artists—including musicians, dancers, and actors—are particularly affected. They continue to earn less than their male counterparts, despite contributing immensely to their fields. Moreover, they are often excluded from key roles such as composers, choreographers, and scriptwriters. Even more concerning is the lack of women in positions of power such as studio heads, record label executives, directors, and producers.
The lack of diversity in leadership roles is a significant barrier to increasing the representation of Black women in the arts. Providing more access to education and scholarships can help address this issue. Scholarships, especially those aimed at Black female artists, can open doors for greater opportunities and increase the diversity of voices in leadership positions.
The Disadvantage Faced by Black Female Authors
In the literary arts, Black female authors face significant challenges. Women in literature, in general, receive less attention than their male counterparts, and reviews of their works are often limited. Black women writers experience double discrimination as they are not only sidelined due to their gender but also because of their race. This double burden is reflected in the lack of recognition from publishers, critics, and award juries, further compounding the challenges faced by Black female authors.
Moreover, readers are often less inclined to read books written by women, and Black female authors frequently resort to using pseudonyms or initials to avoid discrimination. This inequality underscores the need for dedicated efforts to ensure that Black women writers receive fair recognition and representation in literary spaces.
History of International Week of Black Women In the Arts
The history of the International Week of Black Women in the Arts is deeply rooted in a desire to celebrate and uplift the achievements of Black female artists while addressing systemic issues of inequality. This observance not only honors the artistic contributions of Black women throughout history but also emphasizes the need for change and greater representation within the art world.
19th Century: Mary Edmonia Lewis
One of the earliest trailblazers in the history of Black women in the arts was Mary Edmonia Lewis, the first Black sculptor in the United States. In the 19th century, Edmonia Lewis gained national recognition for her sculptures, particularly those based on themes related to African American and Native American history. Her work paved the way for future generations of Black female artists, setting an important precedent in the art world.
1920s: Harlem Renaissance
The Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s was a significant cultural movement that sought to revive African American art. It was during this time that Black artists, writers, musicians, and intellectuals began to find their voice and present their work on a national stage. Many women emerged as leaders of the Harlem Renaissance, including Zora Neale Hurston, Nella Larsen, and Josephine Baker, who became icons of Black cultural expression.
1939: Hattie McDaniel Wins an Oscar
In 1939, Hattie McDaniel made history by becoming the first African American woman to win an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Gone with the Wind. Her success was groundbreaking, but it also highlighted the challenges Black female actors faced in Hollywood, where they were often relegated to stereotypical roles. McDaniel’s win was a significant milestone, but the struggles of Black women in cinema would continue for decades.
1940s: Children of the Harlem Renaissance
In the 1940s, a new generation of African American artists emerged, often referred to as the Children of the Harlem Renaissance. These artists, including Gwendolyn Brooks, E. Franklin Frazier, and Ruby Dee, continued to push boundaries in literature, theater, and visual arts, carrying forward the legacy of the Harlem Renaissance while confronting the ongoing challenges of racism and inequality.
How to Observe International Week of Black Women In the Arts
There are many ways to actively support Black female artists during the International Week of Black Women in the Arts. Whether you are an artist yourself or someone who appreciates art, there are practical steps you can take to help raise awareness and promote equality in the arts.
Support Black Female Artists
One of the most direct ways to support Black women artists is to learn about their work and share it with others. Support their causes by donating to organizations that promote Black women in the arts, and if you have the means, consider purchasing art created by Black women artists. This not only helps these artists gain exposure but also provides them with the financial support they need to continue their work.
Buy Art
Buying art from Black female artists is one of the most powerful ways to directly support their work. Black women artists have long been underpaid for their contributions to the art world, and purchasing their work helps them gain recognition and fair compensation for their talents. You can explore art galleries, online platforms, and local art events to discover new artists and support them through your purchases.
Spread the Word
Promote the International Week of Black Women in the Arts by sharing information on social media or within your community. Spread the message about the importance of supporting Black female artists and raise awareness of the issues they face. Encourage your friends, family, and colleagues to take part in the celebrations and support the cause.
Key Facts About Women Artists That You Should Know
There are several key facts about women artists that highlight the ongoing struggles they face in the art world:
- Rarely sells for a high price: Only two women have made it to the list of “Most Expensive Artists of All Time.”
- Rare women’s artists’ works in museums: Only 5% of artworks made by women are displayed in museums.
- Black art curators: Only 4% of curators are Black in the United States.
- Museum woman director: The Metropolitan Museum of Art has never had a female director, and most major museums in the U.S. have never had a female director.
- Underrepresented in the Booker Prizes: Bernardine Evaristo was the first Black woman to win the Booker Prize in 2019.
Why International Week of Black Women In the Arts is Important
The International Week of Black Women in the Arts is a vital observance that not only celebrates Black excellence but also addresses the inequalities and challenges faced by Black female artists.
It Celebrates Black Excellence
This week is a celebration of Black excellence, particularly among Black women. It honors the long history of Black art and the pioneers who contributed to its growth and success. From the Harlem Renaissance to contemporary artists, this week reminds us of the immense contributions Black women have made to the arts.
It’s a Fight for Equality
One of the core goals of International Week of Black Women in the Arts is to promote equality in the arts. It highlights the issues of underpayment, underrepresentation, and marginalization that Black women face in the art world and advocates for a more inclusive and equal space for all artists.
It Encourages Us to Dream
The week also serves as a reminder of the courage and determination of Black female artists, who have fought against immense odds to make their mark in the art world. It encourages all of us to dream big and pursue our creative aspirations, no matter how impossible they may seem. The stories of these women inspire us to rise to challenges and continue pushing boundaries.
