Historically, women artists and their achievements have been overlooked, marginalised or omitted from mainstream art discourse. By acknowledging and studying women’s roles in art, we gain a more comprehensive understanding of artistic development, challenge traditional narratives and promote gender equality in the art world. Additionally, recognising women’s contributions enriches our appreciation of diverse perspectives and influences on artistic expression throughout history.

The Women and the Arts Forum Conference 2024, a significant addition to the National Gallery’s Bicentenary celebrations, focuses on women artists, copyists, dealers and artists-in-residence. With two key areas of exploration, the conference explores rethinking the dialogue and curation around ‘women artists’, while also highlighting the pivotal role women have played in shaping both the Gallery’s rich past and the broader landscape of art history.

Join esteemed experts as we collectively celebrate the invaluable contributions of women to the arts and champion a more inclusive and equitable future in the art world. 

Speakers include: Annabel Bai Jackson, Tabitha Barber, Céline Condorelli, Lauren Elkin, Flavia Frigeri, Eliza Goodpasture, Sarah Herring, Jon King, Amy Mechowski, Priyesh Mistry, Isobel Muir, Paris Spies-Gans, Marina Warner and Annette Wickham.

The Women and the Arts Conference is generously supported by the Diane Apostolos-Cappadona Trust in honour of Stacia Apostolos.