Mission & History
Women & Their Work is a nonprofit visual and performing arts organization located in Central Austin that serves as a catalyst for new ideas in contemporary art created by women living and working in Texas and beyond. For over 45 years, Women & Their Work has brought groundbreaking art to Austin, with exhibitions, performances, and educational workshops.
Women & Their Work seeks to ensure that our community is equitably and inclusively represented in art; that we foster the artistic growth of women by nurturing their development within the context of their communities and with work that responds to the moment; and share the art of our time with our audience.
Known for its pioneering spirit, embrace of artistic innovation, and commitment to Texas audiences and artists, Women & Their Work’s goal is to enrich the cultural experience for Texans by:
- Emphasizing the value and excellence of art by women
- Educating audiences of all ages about contemporary art
- Equipping artists with financial and technical support
- Engaging the community through diverse exhibitions, performances and other programs
Admission to the gallery is free. Donations are appreciated.
Our History
Founded in 1978, Women & Their Work has actively developed the careers of more than 2,000 artists, presenting hundreds of visual art exhibitions, music, dance and theater events, spoken word, literary readings, film festivals and educational workshops.
As a nationally recognized gallery, Women & Their Work was the first organization in Texas to receive a grant for visual art from the National Endowment for the Arts and was asked to participate in the prestigious Warhol Initiative in 2001. Women & Their Work has been featured on National Public Radio’s Morning Edition, as well as in magazines Art in America and ArtForum.
Women & Their Work actively works within the community, educating audiences of all ages about contemporary art. Since 1986, W&TW has developed a comprehensive education program that reaches children in underserved Austin schools. Women & Their Work’s arts education program comprises gallery tours and talks with exhibiting artists, hands-on workshops for Austin Independent School District students, in-school performances, classroom projects and teacher workshops.
Since 1997, Women & Their Work has been committed to expanding the discourse about contemporary art. For each exhibition, a writer commissioned by Women & Their Work examines the work on exhibit and writes a critical essay, which is then published in a color catalog. These catalogs are invaluable for the artists and gallery visitors.
In addition, Women & Their Work has served as a fiscal agent for more than two hundred artists to allow them to obtain financial support for their projects.
Board of Directors
Umbreen Ahmad, Connie Arismendi, Anahita (Ani) Bradberry, Sally Whitman Coleman, Julie Couchman, Taylor Davis, Isabel Haring, Francés J. Jones, Esq., Andrea Mellard, Kelley Cooper McClure, Margo Sawyer, Judith Sims, Rachel Stephens, Sally Strickland, Frances Thompson, and Scherezade Garcia Vazquez.