50th anniversary celebrates Women in Art

As part of The Arts Society SARUM 50th anniversary sponsorship initiative, students at Wiltshire College were able to enjoy a lecture, given by leading Art Historian, Lynne Gibson. Titled ‘Women in Art – Modern Mistresses’, this related how women had worked hard, and succeeded, in establishing themselves as ‘Modern Masters’ in the Art World.

From social emancipation, starting in the mid nineteenth century through to the feminist movement in the 20th century, we were able to appreciate how female artists now feature in leading art exhibitions and how women have established themselves in senior roles in art galleries and institutions. The battle has not been totally won however as even now, on average, only four per cent of artists in modern art sections are women, whereas nearly three quarters of all featured artworks by men feature women as subjects!

The initiative was part of a National celebration of 50 years since the foundation of NADFAS, the parent organisation of the Arts Society. The lecture, sponsored and organised by The Arts Society SARUM, was specially configured to provide a valuable adjunct to students undertaking courses in fine art.