SWAN Day Houston

The idea for SWAN Day grew out of a conversation between two feminist arts activists, Martha Richards, the founder and president of WomenArts, and Jan Lisa Huttner, the editor-in-chief of FF2 Media and the creative force behind WITASWAN (Women in the Audience Supporting Women Artists Now). It was first held in 2007 and has grown to over a dozen countries with thousands of female creatives participating in the celebration, held yearly on the last weekend in March, which is also Women’s History Month.
 
The SAG-AFTRA National Women’s Committee has always been a frontrunner in the support of female artists. Each year they have joined the celebration with the SAG-AFTRA Houston-Austin Local to uplift female creatives. Our programs have included film festivals, luncheons and an all-day celebration of women in the arts. COVID has impacted 2020 and 2021, but we can still acknowledge our female creatives.  

The Golden Globes named Chloé Zhao (Nomadland) Best Director for 2021, and we are happy to report two other women were nominated, as well: Regina King for One Night in Miami and Emerald Fennell for Promising Young Woman!

"We may have to celebrate virtually, but it shall be no less of a victory," said Houston-Austin Local Board member Deborah Gaffney. "We will continue to salute, support and celebrate our female artists in all genres of art. In this 14th year of SWAN Day, we recognize the hard work and creative genius that these women have assiduously applied to reach this level of recognition."

This article was originally featured in the Houston-Austin Local newsletter.