Where are the men in the fight for gender equality in the art world?
Last week, I attended an expert meeting at Paleis Het Loo that focused on significant historical topics: “Vrouwenrechten in het publieke debat, 1870-1920” (Women’s rights in public debate) and “De vrouw in het recht: Klem tussen principes en pragmatisme” (Women in law: Trapped between principles and pragmatism). While the presentations were thought-provoking, one particular aspect left a lasting impression on me—the gender imbalance in the room. Of the approximately 50 participants, only three were men, myself included.
This stark contrast made me question: Where were the men? And more broadly, why aren’t more men actively participating in discussions about gender equality in the art world? The imbalance in the room did not align with the statistics of the museum world, where men hold many influential positions, particularly in leadership and supervisory roles. According to OCW, the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science in the Netherlands, the workforce in the cultural sector is 60% women and 40% men(2017), yet the conference had approximately 94% women and only 6% men (!). This discrepancy raises a key issue: Are conversations about gender equality in the art world still perceived as a “women’s issue”? It seems that even though more women work in this sector, men are highly underrepresented in gender equity dialogues.
A missed opportunity for men
The absence of men in these discussions speaks volumes. Gender equality is not just about women achieving equal representation; it’s about transforming the structures and systems that have historically marginalized certain voices. This change cannot be driven by women alone. For any real progress to occur, men need to be part of the conversation, contributing their perspectives and leveraging their positions of influence to promote a more inclusive future.
The reasons for this imbalance are complex. Many men may feel that gender equality initiatives are solely focused on women’s advancement, not realizing that they too have a role to play in dismantling the systems of inequality. Others might believe that their presence is not necessary or that these discussions do not directly concern them. This couldn’t be further from the truth. If gender equality is to be fully realized, it requires a collaborative effort from all genders, especially from those who have historically held more power.
Men need to recognize that a more equitable art world benefits everyone. Inclusion fosters creativity, innovation, and diverse perspectives—all of which are essential to the continued growth and vibrancy of the cultural sector. By stepping away from these conversations, men miss out on the chance to be part of this transformation. They also perpetuate the very systems of exclusion that gender equality movements aim to dismantle.
De Andere Helft (The Other Half) project
A great example of the work being done to correct these historical imbalances is De Andere Helft? project. This platform is dedicated to uncovering the forgotten or overshadowed contributions of women in the Dutch art world between 1780 and 1980. It highlights roles often neglected in traditional art history, such as women as collectors, curators, and critics.
Collaborating with museums and research institutions including the UVA, Stedelijk Museum, Rijksmuseum and Boijmans Museum, De Andere Helft challenges the narrative of male-dominated art history and ensures a more inclusive, nuanced representation of the past. The project exemplifies the broader cultural shift towards recognizing the full spectrum of contributions made by women in the art world. However, even with this critical work, the question remains: why are so few men actively involved in these efforts?
This brings us back to the original concern: initiatives like De Andere Helft are crucial, but their success depends on broad participation. For the art world to truly reflect gender equity, men must not only support but actively engage in these projects. It’s not enough for gender equality to be viewed as a women’s issue—it’s a societal issue, and one that affects the entire cultural landscape.
领英推荐
Men as allies in the fight for equality
So, how can we encourage men to take their place at the table? First, we need to shift the narrative. Gender equality benefits everyone, and men have a responsibility to contribute to this conversation. It’s essential to emphasize that men are not just allies—they are stakeholders in the pursuit of an inclusive, equitable future.
Educational initiatives are one key way to bring men into the fold. By promoting awareness about the systemic barriers women face in the art world and offering concrete ways for men to get involved, we can start to dismantle the divide. Furthermore, organizations must make a concerted effort to invite men to gender equality discussions and ensure they feel welcome in these spaces. This isn’t about excluding women—it’s about broadening the conversation to include all perspectives.
The art world, with its emphasis on reflection and cultural change, is the perfect place to start. Museums and cultural institutions should take the lead in promoting gender equity by creating spaces where these conversations can happen. By fostering environments of inclusivity, we ensure that the fight for gender equality becomes everyone’s fight.
Gender equality in the art and cultural world cannot be achieved if half the population remains absent from the discussion. The low male attendance at the expert meeting was not just a coincidence; it was a symptom of a broader issue—one that we must address if we are to make meaningful progress. Men must step up, engage, and take an active role in shaping the future of the art world.
Projects like De Andere Helft are paving the way, but they cannot succeed without the support of all genders. If we truly want to create a balanced, just, and inclusive cultural sector, men need to be part of the conversation. After all, a fair and equitable art world benefits us all.