Women in Art Fair (WIAF) is set to return to London from October 9-12 at the Mall Galleries in Westminster, during the city's bustling autumn art season, running alongside Frieze Week. This year, we are thrilled to announce that Mumble Forum will be partnering with WIAF, an empowering platform dedicated to bridging the gender gap in the art world by championing contemporary female artists. Our shared commitment to women's empowerment and gender equality forms the foundation of this exciting partnership as we work together to create opportunities for talented female artists and leaders.
As part of this ongoing collaboration, we are proud to confirm the participation of two Mumble Forum members at WIAF 2024. Lucy Perfect will be exhibiting her work in the Spotlight section of the fair, while Amber-Jane Raab will contribute her original piece Golden Battersea, which will be auctioned in support of Karen Millen’s charity, Teens Unite.
"The art industry must confront its ongoing under-representation of women," says Jacqueline Harvey, WIAF’s director.
"Gender inequality persists in every aspect of the sector, from commercial representation and auction sales to museum acquisitions and career opportunities." Harvey, whose extensive experience includes roles at renowned galleries and fairs like Art Basel, Masterpiece, and London Art Fair, highlights the gravity of the issue with data: A 2019 report revealed that only 2% of the $196.6 billion spent at auctions between 2008 and 2019 was on works by women artists.
While hosting a women-only fair may not be the final solution to gender inequality in the art world, it is an essential step in raising awareness of the ongoing disparities within commercial galleries. Founded in 2018, WIAF’s debut was delayed by the pandemic but has since gained momentum with support from the Arts Council and sponsorship from the luxury British building company Chartwell Group. With the growing financial power of women in the art market, the fair is set to showcase an underrepresented yet increasingly significant segment of the art industry.
Why It Matters
WIAF is more than just a new art fair—it's a reflection of the growing acknowledgment of gender inequality within the art world. Historically, women artists have faced systemic challenges in gaining visibility, representation, and recognition. These issues continue to exist despite increased awareness. Initiatives like WIAF not only provide women artists with a much-needed platform to showcase their work but also contribute to broader discussions about the role of women in art, culture, and society.
Addressing Gender Imbalance
Despite advances in gender equality, the art world remains predominantly male-dominated. Studies consistently show that women artists are underrepresented in galleries, auctions, museums, and even art education. For instance, a 2019 report by Halperin-Burns found that just 2% of the $196.6 billion spent at auctions between 2008 and 2019 was for works by female artists. Additionally, women in the arts often face disparities in pay, career advancement, and media attention. By offering an art fair exclusively for women-identifying artists, WIAF challenges this imbalance, sending a strong message that women’s contributions to the arts are valuable and deserving of equal recognition and market opportunities.
The Economic Shift
An additional factor underscoring the importance of WIAF is the changing economic landscape for art collectors. By 2025, it is estimated that 60% of the UK’s wealth will be controlled by women, presenting a significant shift in art market demographics. Female collectors are increasingly interested in acquiring works by women artists, which will likely drive higher demand for their work in the coming years. This shift represents a vital growth opportunity for commercial galleries, making fairs like WIAF not only timely but also strategically crucial for the future of the art market. As Sigrid Kirk, co-founder of Awita, notes, "If commercial galleries and institutions don’t adapt quickly, fairs like WIAF will become even more essential in connecting female artists with buyers eager to support their work."
A Step Toward Lasting Change
While WIAF alone cannot resolve the gender inequalities in the art world, it is a vital step toward raising awareness and offering a tangible solution. By elevating women artists and fostering discussions around gender issues, the fair encourages institutions, galleries, and collectors to reconsider their practices and biases. It serves as a catalyst for further efforts aimed at promoting gender equality within the art industry.
Moreover, by aligning itself with major events like Frieze Week, WIAF ensures its message reaches a broader audience, from collectors and critics to curators and art enthusiasts. The timing allows the fair to capitalize on the global attention surrounding Frieze, amplifying the voices and work of female artists in one of the busiest weeks of the art calendar.
As the art world evolves, initiatives like WIAF will play a critical role in ensuring that women artists are not only seen but celebrated.
Join us in supporting this wonderful initiative and our fellow Mumble Forum members this October for an immersive exhibition, panel discussions, and more. Together, we can foster a more inclusive and equitable future for women in the arts.
