The Professional Organization of Women in the Arts

Collaboration is at the heart of every successful arts enterprise. At its best, collaboration brings together diverse perspectives, skills, and resources to realize ambitious projects, foster meaningful connections, and even reshape the art historical cannon. What do three #WomenOfPOWarts look for in their collaborations, and how does the industry need to evolve to continue to support an environment where collaborative work thrives? "I'm always looking for collaborations that are synergistic in terms of mission and vision, but have some points of departure in terms of strategy and approach so that together we create something new and grow our collective audiences and communities." - Dawn Delikat, executive director at Pen and Brush. "I am always looking for collaborations, especially those that benefit everyone who is involved, and those that expand the museum's audience and circle of supporters. I love working with guest curators who, in addition to bringing expertise in a needed area, also bring their communities and networks and allow us to share a given exhibition that much more widely." - Carey Weber, Executive Director Fairfield University Art Museum "We need to keep art museums and institutions relevant. That means supporting a younger generation of curators from diverse backgrounds. We get to meet interesting people thinking creatively all the time. Hearing about another's projects and sharing big ideas is so valuable." - Emily Lenz, Director & Partner at D. Wigmore Fine Art, Inc.

Thanks for sharing, Sara Cardona Kay! What advice would you add? And on the flip side, what market/career challenges aren't being addressed enough right now?

Come work with us! The Professional Organization of Women in the Arts is looking for a part-time project manager to help facilitate our web refresh project. Role: Project Manager (Part-Time, Contract) Time Commitment: 10 hours/week for 6 weeks (extension possible) About Us The Professional Organization of Women in the Arts champions the advancement of women in the arts through collaboration, advocacy, and support. The Role We are seeking an organized and detail-oriented Project Manager to coordinate the redesign of our website. This is a part-time, short-term contract role perfect for someone with experience producing or managing creative projects and a passion for the arts and women’s advocacy. You will be responsible for: ?? Planning and Organization: Developing a clear project timeline and plan. ?? Brief Development: Preparing a project brief for contractors and ensuring alignment with strategic goals. ?? Hiring and project management: Hiring and managing an outside contractor (web designer and/or developer), effectively communicating the project vision, keeping the project on schedule, and working closely with other POWarts staff and Communication Manager.? ?? Delivery: Ensuring the project is completed on schedule and meets organizational standards, including necessary fundraising and CRM software integrations. What We’re Looking For: ? Strong organizational and process management skills. ? Basic understanding of the web development process, including timelines and deliverables.? ? Experience vetting contractors is a plus. ? Self-starter who takes ownership of projects. ? Interest in women’s issues and the arts. ? Detail-oriented with proactive communication and follow-through. Compensation $20-25/per hour depending on experience ?? How to Apply Please send your resume and a brief statement of interest highlighting your experience in project management and why you’re excited about working with the Professional Organization of Women in the Arts to [email protected] by January 31. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

How is that Audrey Heckler, one of the most comprehensive and consequential stewards of Outsider Art, passed with little fanfare from legacy art media? This essay from POWarts founder Sara Cardona Kay for artnet gets to the heart of the question - in today's market-driven industry, who gets to be remembered?

Hindsight is 20/20, sure. But reflecting on the lessons we’ve learned throughout our careers helps guide not just our future, but those of the next generations of women and arts professionals too. What have these three #WomenOfPOWarts learned through their ups and downs, and what advice would they pass on to themselves at the start of their own careers if they could? "I would say, chill out. I was so focused and obsessive with my career - and there’s nothing wrong with that - but if I were to do it again I’d make more room for joy. I’d push equally as hard, but I’d be more open to enjoying the little moments, the ‘good stuff.’ Those are the things that drew you in to this work in the first place, and I promise you your joy rubs off on those around you." - Sara Cardona Kay, founder of The Professional Organization of Women in the Arts. "Keep reading, discussing ideas with peers and mentors, and stay curious. Imposter syndrome is an illusion because even the most experienced and established industry professionals are always learning, so go forth with confidence, enthusiasm and goodwill in the pursuit of your passions." - Natasha Roberts, Publicist at Public Art Fund and Founder of The KNOW. "I recently became familiar with the phrase, ‘what’s meant for you will not miss you.' As a recent graduate and job seeker, I truly believe that being patient and attuned to my own strengths, wants, and needs has been a calming force while applying for roles.”? - Christina L., Arts Administrator. __ artwork credit in Natasha Roberts portrait: Federico Solmi

Honestly, in hindsight the initial "no explanation" was better than this explanation. Florida's move to defund the state's arts and culture economy is without precedent and marks a weaponization of public funds. So much of this industry's wounds are intentionally inflicted by people and powers who fear what art and culture can do when they can't control it. Those grants funded Floridian jobs, benefits, educational opportunities, and so much more and accounted for literally a fraction of a single percent of the state's budget.

Today, Dr. Mari?t Westermann begins her tenure as the first woman to lead both the Guggenheim Foundation and the entire collection of Guggenheim Museums as director and CEO. The Guggenheim was co-founded in 1939 by artist Hilla von Rebay as the Museum of Non-Objective Painting. Rebay served as the New York museum's founding director and she was influential in selecting Frank Lloyd Wright to design the 5th avenue museum as it stands today. #WomenInArt #WomenLeaders #ArtNews

We asked professionals in the arts what changes they hope to see the industry undergo as a whole to make it a better, more equitable place to work and serve both audiences and artists. Here's what three of them told us. "A pressing need exists for continued awareness of inequities in art and the incorporation of diversity, equity, and inclusion into the fundamental missions of projects and organizations. This support ripples through the entire ecosystem, influencing our institutions, texts, patrons, education and the various interconnected facets of the artistic landscape." Sally Jane Brown "Greater transparency for artists that would give them more opportunities to make informed decisions about their careers, adequate wages for all cultural workers, and a more rigorous approach to questions of relevance across for-profit and nonprofit spaces." Nina Mdivani "We need to keep art museums and institutions relevant. That means supporting a younger generation of curators from diverse backgrounds. We get to meet interesting people thinking creatively all the time; learning from each other’s projects and sharing big ideas is so valuable." Emily Lenz What would you add? #WomenInArt #WomenLeaders

Is this what a more collaborative, community-centered art market could look like? The initiative from galleries Bortolami Gallery, James Cohan Gallery, kaufmann repetto, Anton Kern Gallery, Andrew Kreps Gallery, and kurimanzutto aims to create a shared space for group exhibitions and cultural activities, with the inaugural exhibition to feature works by 80 artists. The way we see it, the?joint venture signals a welcome shift towards collaboration and community-building within the art market. The initiative not only breathes new life into a neglected space but also fosters a sense of creative and professional synergy among participating galleries, their staffs, and artists.?More of that, please. But, we can't pretend it's all sunshine and rainbows. Amid an art, design, and vacation home boom in the Hudson area, we're curious what steps the galleries might take to ensure the community benefits too, considering the "The Campus'" potential impact on the area's cultural and economic landscape. What do you think?

?? Christie's entering the Buy Now, Pay Later game for its art auctions.