National Gallery launches their first Gender Equity Action Plan 2021-26

Today, on International Women’s Day, Canberra's National Gallery of Australia has launched its first Gender Equity Action Plan 2021-26.

The National Gallery is Australia’s national visual arts institution dedicated to collecting, sharing and celebrating art from Australia and the world.

Coinciding with the launch of the Action Plan, the National Gallery notes “across Australia and the world, arts and cultural institutions are facing the lived realities of exclusions, inequities and histories that have shaped their collections, programs and foundational structures.

“The National Gallery’s commitment to gender equity is core to the vision of the Gallery. We recognise that to effect societal change, we need to ensure our own workplace culture, policy and artistic programs demonstrate gender equity, inclusivity, and respect. We are now beginning a process of addressing the significant imbalances that exist.”

Aligned to the United Nations Sustainability Goals, the National Gallery’s Action Plan will be delivered through the following five impact areas.

1. Accelerate Gender Equity 
Drive an uplift in representation across new acquisitions and commissions, exhibitions, touring and more.

2. Advocate for Sector - wide Collaboration 
Instigate gender equity conversations about the visual arts through advocacy, strategic policy and partnerships, and more.

3. Strengthen Organisational Culture 
Foster an equitable, diverse and inclusive professional environment for all staff, stakeholders and audiences and more.

4. Empower Participation 
Commit to an all-inclusive leadership culture embracing diversity in decision-making and more.

5. Amplfy Data for Equity 
Improve availability of data, through biannual gender equity data statements across key areas in collaboration with Countess Report, and more.

The Know My Name Initiative
The Gallery’s gender equity initiatives continue with Know My Name: Australian Women Artists 1900 to Now Part Two and upcoming exhibitions including Cressida Campbell, the most comprehensive survey exhibition of the artist's work.

Following the launch of the Project Series in 2021 with Project 1: Sarah Lucas, contemporary art will be an ongoing focus for the Gallery with three new Projects presented in 2022. Take a deep dive into Project 2: Kara Walker (US), Project 3: Angelica Mesiti (Aus) and Project 4: Justene Williams (Aus). 

Download the Gender Equity Action Plan 2021-26

Image top: National Gallery Gender Equity Action Plan 2021-26; image above: Justene Williams, Victory over the sun, 2016, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, Purchased 2021 © the artist.