This Is W.A.R! is a publishing project that shares sites of women’s art practice in and around Melbourne/Naarm. The project seeks to enhance the visibility of women’s art practice, connect artists past and present, and activate physical sites of work, community, inspiration, learning, challenge and celebration.

By quite literally putting women artists on the map, we reject the concept that women operate behind the scenes, unseen in their own homes and studios, out of the public sphere. Women’s art practice is situated and contextualised across sites, and decades, through these diverse stories that connect communities, ideas, bodies, practices and legacies.

This Is W.A.R! contains stories from our archive and beyond. The map has been generated from community contributions and volunteer research, concentrating on sites in use prior to 2000. This project was first published in 2021 and we have plans to explore new ways to map stories and cities in the future.

The Women’s Art Register acknowledges the peoples of the Kulin Nation as the traditional custodians of the lands upon which these sites are located. We recognise their continuing connection to culture, community and Country and their role as the first artists and storytellers.

USING THE MAP

Zoom to an area of interest, or view the full map by clicking the square icon in the top right-hand corner. On desktop, this view will allow you to browse sites by category and use the search tool to find an artist name, site or keyword.