Women, Arts, and Social Change
Women, Arts, and Social Change (WASC) is the signature public programs initiative of the National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA), in which the museum highlights women and gender-expansive creators and activists who advocate for social change through arts and culture. Programs encourage progressive conversation and thought leadership, while fostering connection and community. WASC celebrates the pioneering work of our speakers and facilitates meaningful conversations about achieving gender equity in the arts and beyond.
NMWA Nights
Experience our popular late-night program on the third Wednesday of each month. Listen to a live performance, attend a tour, make art, or sample a signature cocktail. Each ticket includes two free drinks, with additional food and drink available for purchase.
Fresh Talk
Listen to influential and cause-driven artists, activists, innovators, and creators discuss the issues that shape our culture. Join us to be part of gatherings that challenge, inspire, and connect. Each Fresh Talk is followed by a salon-style cocktail hour.
Creative’s Keynote
Hear from trailblazers in the art and museum fields who are changing the way art and visual culture are perceived, performed, and shared. Each Creative’s Keynote is followed by a salon-style cocktail hour.
Makers’ Market
Shop products sold by local vendors, makers, and artists in our Great Hall. Unique selections include homemade jewelry, handmade ceramics, and vintage finds. Held on select Community Days, our Makers’ Markets are free to the public.
Related Events
NMWA Nights
Date: Nov, 20Time: 5:30 to 8 pmFree Community Day & Makers’ Market
Date: Dec, 01Time: 10 am to 5 pmFresh Talk: Suchitra Mattai and Aruna D’Souza
Date: Dec, 11Time: 6 to 8 pm
Community Days
Free Admission
Visit us on the first Sunday and second Wednesday of each month for free museum admission. Take this opportunity to explore our collection and current exhibitions.
Open Studios
During Free Community Days, visit the museum’s studio for drop-in art-making activities. Inspired by the work of artists and makers, activities change each month. Open to visitors of all ages. Children 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
Related Events
Free Community Day
Date: Nov, 13Time: 10 am to 5 pmFree Community Day & Makers’ Market
Date: Dec, 01Time: 10 am to 5 pmFree Community Day
Date: Dec, 11Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Talks and Workshops
Virtual Art Chats
On select Fridays, jump-start your weekend with art! Join NMWA educators online for informal 45-minute art chats about selected artworks from the museum’s collection. Each week a new sampling of artworks will be considered.
Firsthand Experience Workshops
Firsthand Experience workshops bring contemporary artists together with learners ages 13 and older for hands-on programs that combine making, conversations, and discovery.
Related Events
Firsthand Experience: Plant Portraits
Date: Nov, 09Time: 10 am to 3 pmArt Chat @ Five: Material Matters
Date: Nov, 22Time: 5 to 5:45 pmArt Chat @ Five
Date: Dec, 27Time: 5 to 5:45 pm
Women’s History Month
International Women’s Day
Celebrate International Women’s Day with NMWA during our annual virtual festival on March 8. Throughout the day, programs highlight and celebrate women in the visual, cultural, and performing arts.