By Jed Lanyon
A new art project is aiming to promote awareness about making public spaces in the Yarra Ranges more welcoming for women.
A report from Women’s Health East found that women are more likely to feel unsafe in public spaces and as though urban spaces are not designed with them in mind.
‘Beyond the Studio: Advocating for Women’s Inclusion, Visibility, and Safety through Public Art’ project wants to hear from women living in the Yarra Ranges to help identify public open spaces they believe would benefit from having displays of women’s artwork. This will be achieved through residents capturing images of these places and submitting them via email.
Women’s Health East health promotion officer Georgina Nix said, “This project focuses on trying to create awareness on how public spaces need to take a gendered lens.
“It’s an opportunity to shed light on the work of local women artists in the Yarra Ranges, giving them more of a platform.”
Warburton photographer Suzanne Phoenix will be involved in the project as well as artists of YAVA.
The artists will be invited to share photographs of their existing art pieces to be used with images of public spaces collected from local residents to create a whole new image, showcasing how these places could look if more female artwork was commissioned for public display.
Those who take part in sending in a photo of a public space can redeem a $50 Coles gift voucher for their contribution.
“The photo submissions are for anyone who identifies as a woman and lives in the Yarra Ranges region. They can send in a photo of a space that they believe would benefit form more art,” Ms Nix said.
“It’s a great opportunity to get involved with a local initiative. If you’re passionate about art and urban space design, then we want to hear from you.”
The Beyond the Studio project is funded by Yarra Ranges Council. For more information, visit: https://bit.ly/3x8tNeA
