GLAM/Newsletter/September 2024/Contents/Australia report
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Artbank's edit-a-thon for gender equity in Australian visual arts
In September, Artbank Sydney’s vibrant gallery space transformed into a dynamic hub of creativity, knowledge-sharing, and digital activism. The occasion? A highly successful edit-a-thon focused on amplifying the voices of women and non-binary artists, showcasing their invaluable contributions to the Australian visual arts community.
The event brought together a diverse group of participants — seasoned Wikipedians, enthusiastic newcomers, artists, and advocates—all united by a shared goal: to close the gender gap on Wikipedia, one edit at a time.
Held in the gallery space at Artbank Sydney, the energy in the room was tangible, as keyboards clicked and conversations flowed, creating an atmosphere of collaboration and learning.
Why Artbank and Women and Non-Binary Artists?
Despite their profound impact on the art world, women and non-binary artists remain significantly underrepresented on Wikipedia. This edit-a-thon was part of a broader movement to change that, ensuring these artists receive the recognition they deserve. Participants learnt the basics of editing Wikipedia, and then worked tirelessly to create and improve articles, highlighting these artists' contributions and affirming their importance within the cultural landscape. By holding the edit-a-thon in partnership with Artbank, Wikimedia Australia has supported Artbank's objective of promoting the value of Australian contemporary art to the broader public.
The Power of the Countess Report
A key resource during the edit-a-thon was the Countess Report, a vital tool that tracks gender representation in Australian contemporary art. This report, instrumental in spotlighting disparities in the art world, guided participants in identifying which artists required improved coverage on Wikipedia.
We were privileged to have Elvis Richardson, one of the authors of the Countess Report, attend the edit-a-thon and share insights into the challenges and barriers facing women and non-binary artists. After the edit-a-thon, Elvis spoke at the “Equalessable” exhibition opening in the Artbank gallery space.
A Day of Learning and Collaboration
One of the most inspiring aspects of the edit-a-thon was the spirit of collaboration. Experienced editors shared their knowledge with beginners, guiding them through the intricacies of Wikipedia editing. Artists and curators provided insights into the work and significance of the featured artists, enriching the content being added. This exchange of ideas and skills was a reminder of the power of community-driven initiatives.
Looking Ahead
Although this was our first event with Artbank, its impact was clear: an engaged group committed to raising awareness of the underrepresentation of women and non-binary artists, and a strong sense of accomplishment among all participants. But the work doesn’t end here. This edit-a-thon is just one step in an ongoing effort to ensure that Wikipedia reflects the diversity of voices in the art world.
The success of this event at Artbank is a testament to what can be achieved when people come together with a shared mission. It serves as a reminder that anyone can contribute to making the internet—and the world—a more inclusive place.
- At 63%, women continue to comprise the majority of graduates from Australian art schools while men account for only 21%. State galleries continue to significantly under-represent women artists in their exhibition programs, with no increase from the 34% recorded in 2018 - 2022 Countess.Report
