Gender Equity

The National Gallery’s commitment to gender equity is core to the vision of the Gallery to inspire our nation through creativity, inclusivity, engagement and learning. Across Australia and the world, arts and cultural institutions are facing the lived realities of exclusions, inequities and histories that have shaped their collections, programs and foundational structures. We are now addressing the significant imbalances that exist. We advocate for change and engage with our staff, community and partners about gender equity issues. We recognise that to effect societal change, we need to ensure our own workplace culture, policy and artistic programs demonstrate gender equity, inclusivity, and respect.

The National Gallery commits to the above guiding principles to promote gender equity.

The Guiding Principles are adapted from the Women’s Empowerment Principles: Equality Means Business. Developed as a joint initiative between UN Women and the UN Global Compact, the Women’s Empowerment Principles are informed by international labour and human rights standards. The National Gallery recognises the worldwide contribution of UN Women, which is dedicated to gender equity and the empowerment of women, the 50/50 by 2030 Foundation, a gender equity initiative established by the Institute for Governance and Policy Analysis (IGPA) at the University of Canberra, Australia and the Australian Public Service Gender Equality Strategy 2021–2026.

The National Gallery’s first Gender Equity Action Plan 2021–2026 was developed in consultation with staff, Council, community, government and the sector. Ensuring that all people regardless of gender, have the opportunity to reach their full potential is central to the National Gallery’s vision. The Plan commits to:

1. Accelerate gender equity
2. Advocate for sector wide collaboration
3. Strengthen organisational culture
4. Empower participation
5. Amplify data for equity

Gender equity in the arts and culture context

In the arts and culture sector, and in the visual arts specifically, the manifestations of gender inequity and gender bias play out in complex ways.