On International Women’s Day 2022, the Victorian Government announced a $1 million program to increase the number of permanent public artworks celebrating women across Victoria. Of the 580 statues across Melbourne only nine depict real women – the program will address this significant underrepresentation by funding projects that recognise women and their achievements through mediums such as statues, sculptures and other enduring public art.
The program also supports women artists, in recognition that they are underrepresented in art media, commercial galleries and state museums compared to men.
Grants of between $50,000 to $200,000, through the Community Support Fund, have been awarded to organisations across Victoria, with applicants working in partnership with community and interest groups. The successful applicants of the program are:
- Creative Resilience, Queen Victoria Women's Centre, Melbourne
- Yennega-Yettang/Come-See, Mildura Rural City Council
- Three Kurnai Women, Baw Baw Shire Council
- Honouring Zelda D'Aprano, Victorian Trades Hall Council
- Vera: Linton War Surgeon, Golden Plains Shire Council
- Remembering Stella Young, Northern Grampians Shire Council
This program complements the Victorian Honour Roll of Women, which celebrates women's outstanding leadership and contributions to life in Victoria.
Share in the stories of inspirational Victorian women via Women Victoria’s #PutHerNameOnIt #WomensPublicArt #HonourHer #VicForWomen social media posts.
Reviewed 24 February 2023