As the world begins to celebrate the achievements of women ahead of International Women's Day on March 8, Illawarra creatives are also shining a light on imbalances within the arts.
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This year's IWD exhibition at Wollongong's Project Contemporary Artspace (beginning Wednesday) brings together dozens of creatives to challenge bias and advocate for equality - from the region's Elders, to commercial artists and up-and-coming talent.
Sue Bessell has been organising the exhibition for 21 years, and said despite the region boasting a smorgasbord of female artists, it still has been a "difficult journey" for equality in the industry.
"It's always been the male gaze and male domain," the creative said.
"But there's been a big change in the last decade and there's a lot more women in important roles."
Bessell is an artists herself, but has been juggling the demands of work, family and her passion for decades - something many women have had to do, she said.
"It's always a struggle to dedicate your whole life, because there's so many pressures on women to take so many roles," Bessell said. "You have to be pretty dedicated."
The current exhibition showcases the work of 35 Illawarra artists - some "with a political edge, some celebratory, but all beautiful" - and include photography, sculptures, textiles, paintings and ceramics.
"This year's theme 'Choose to Challenge' reflects a number of important worldwide actions that have taken place that protest and question embedded inequalities in our society," Bessell said.
"Local women artists in the Illawarra have come together ... to express their creative achievements, challenge biases and to advocate for a more inclusive and equal society.'
Instead of having an opening ceremony the exhibition will round out with a free closing party on March 13 with guest speaker Zanny Begg (award-winning visual artist), live music, poetry readings and more.
The first IWD gathering was in 1911 and now celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women around the globe on March 8.
Wollongong normally hosts Australia's largest IWD event with an annual luncheon with motivational speakers, though in 2021 it has been postponed until later in the year.
Illawarra International Women's Day Art Exhibition runs at Project Contemporary Artspace, Keira Street in Wollongong from 3 to 14. The closing party will be on March 13 at 6pm.