COLUMBUS, Ohio – With the goal of promoting women and girls who are leaders in the arts and culture, the Columbus Women and Girls’ Fest recognizes women of color in the Columbus community.
“Today we celebrate women, girls and gender diverse people of color,” said Elaine Richardson, founder of the Columbus Women and Girls’ Fest.
Richardson is also the board chair of the Education Foundation for Freedom and knows firsthand how important such safe spaces are for women of color who want to enter the arts industry, as an artist herself.
“The art industry is male-dominated and it’s tough for women. This industry is also vulnerable to women and girls. That’s why we started our foundation to stop that vulnerability,” Richardson said.
Artists from across the city came to Box Park to celebrate art and culture, with one artist live painting a mural focusing on women’s empowerment.
“The mural I created, sunflower, always conveys a sense of community and empowerment. So that’s what I focus on. That’s my favorite flower too,” said artist Kiara Booker. “We also have the woman, the women and girls festival, of course, which we’re at today. Then I have our puzzle pieces, which also convey a sense of unity, butterflies, also empowerment. And we have our peace symbol.”
Radio presenter Leah Henry is hosting the event for the second year and she said the timing couldn’t have come at a better time.
“I think in a time where everything is politically charged, there are a lot of polarizing conversations,” she said. “Things where we can come together and see the beauty and the differences and then sometimes the beauty in the similarities, right, is so important in this time.”
The Columbus Women and Girls’ Fest is proud to contribute to expanding the reach of the arts community through mutual empowerment.
