Why is the Baltimore Museum of Art acquiring only works by women this year?

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The Baltimore Museum of Art is acquiring only works by women in 2020 to address a significant historical gender imbalance within its collection and the broader art world.

The Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA) has committed to acquiring solely works by female artists throughout 2020. This initiative is a direct response to the stark underrepresentation of women in its collection, which currently comprises only four percent works by women artists. The museum plans to allocate US$2.5 million for these acquisitions, alongside reorganising gallery spaces to highlight female artists and presenting approximately 20 exhibits featuring their work.
Addressing Historical Underrepresentation

The decision to focus exclusively on female artists in 2020 is intended to counteract centuries of discrimination that have led to a significant gender gap in museum collections. Statistics from a study published in Plos-One revealed that in 18 major American museums, 87 percent of exhibited artists were men. Furthermore, data from Artnet and "In Other Words" indicated that between 2008 and 2018, only 11 percent of works acquired by 26 prominent museums were by women.
Acknowledging the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment

This year's initiative coincides with the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution, which granted women the right to vote. This centenary serves as a poignant backdrop for the museum's self-reflection and its efforts to rectify historical inequities, acknowledging that institutions like the BMA were largely built by women leaders and supported by significant female patrons, such as the Cone sisters.
Broader Impact and Community Perspectives

While the BMA's move has been lauded by many as a positive step, some observers, like curator Teri Henderson, view it as a "tiny step" and question the use of the word "radical" to describe a year-long focus. Henderson suggests that true change requires more substantial and sustained investment in living artists, particularly those from underrepresented communities. The museum's director, Christopher Bedford, acknowledges that this is just a beginning and hopes the decision will inspire similar actions across the museum field, aiming to foster a greater consciousness and continuous effort towards equity.

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Why is the Baltimore Museum of Art acquiring only works by women this year?

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