The Arts has often proved a hostile environment for women, especially for those who voice opinions that challenge the status quo.
In the early 20th century Sylvia Pankhurst chose activism in the suffrage movement over her artistic career, today women including Denise Fahmy and Louise Distras are following in her footsteps in defending the rights of women and free speech.
Chairing the event is Paula Boulton who as a musician and political theatre maker, believes in using the Arts to get the message across in her fight for Women’s Rights.
Providing the historical context with her talk Sylvia Pankhurst: Politics Over Art Bernadette Hyland is a writer, researcher and political activist. She was one of the founders of the “Mary Quaile Club”. Northern and Irish she writes about women, trade unions and the Irish community.
Fresh from her recent employment tribunal success against her long-term employer, Arts Council England, Denise Fahmy joins us to talk about her experience of harassment, after challenging the public vilification of a gender critical applicant organisation. She asks how can the Arts restore tolerance and welcome gender critical women back.
Louise Distras this year released her long awaited second album Beauty After Bruises which she describes as being about “the ugly truth” and this would certainly be a good description for the treatment Louise has faced within the music industry because she refused to censor her views, resulting in cancelled gigs and opportunities along with Louise receiving a barrage of abuse and criticism on social media including from well-known performers.
Although this an event about Radical Women…it’s not just for radicals or women….everyone is welcome!
Book Radical Northern Women in the Arts Past & Present
