Prior to Statues for Equality, only 5 of 150 total statues of historical figures in New York City depicted women. On August 26th, 2019, that number tripled to 15, with the addition of Cate Blanchett, Gabby Douglas, Tracy Dyson, Jane Goodall, Nicole Kidman, Janet Mock, P!nk, Cheryl Strayed, Tererai Trent, and Oprah Winfrey. You can see all of these statues displayed together in Lower Manhattan, near the South Street Seaport.
These 10 statues are just a start, though. Statues for Equality is an ongoing public art project by artist team Gillie and Marc, who accept nominations and donations for future statues. The next statue has already been announced: Justice Ginsberg. Their long-term goal is to make female representation in public art equal to that of men, creating a full pantheon of women for future generations to admire.
My hope for the future of this project is to see more site-specific sculptures to inspire local pride. How about a statue of activist Jane Jacobs in the West Village, or photographer Alice Austen on Staten Island's North Shore? Visitors to the Algonquin Hotel could tip their hat to writer Dorothy Parker as they walk by, and trailblazing politician Shirley Chisholm could forever represent her Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn neighborhood. Who would you like to see?
Probably the best thing about this project is that it opens the conversation for new possibilities. The canvas is blank, the bronze is yet un-cast. A whole world of women's history is yet to be told, and made, with these sculptures.
Find your way with 304 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
A walk through Central Park in New York is probably your best way of appreciating the folliage change colors. I recommend walking along the allée of elms.
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"Sisters" in New York is a Jamaican restaurant. Let's put it like this: when I go to Jamaica, I don't seek a restaurant until I come back!
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The American Folk Art Museum in New York hosts free live jazz and eclectic concerts, with thoughtful exhibits and a folksy gift shop worth browsing.
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"Loeb Boathouse Restaurant" in New York's Central Park is in the vicinity of the Bethesda Fountain and I think it's best for a warm-weather drink...
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"Patisserie des Ambassades" in New York has extensive opening hours and prepares dishes & desserts for every time of day. It's refreshingly old-fashioned.
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In the lobby of 1166 Avenue of the Americas in NYC hang some significant tapestries by Lichtenstein & a large bronze homage to capitalism by Otterness...
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The MTA in NYC offers subway "nostalgia rides" during the summer months on old cars from the '30s and '40s. Book your ticket now!
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"Grand Bazaar" NYC is the city's largest outdoor market, also with an indoor section. Here you can find absolutely everything and for bargain prices!
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"Teranga" in New York City, in the Africa Center, is a restaurant as well as a library. It feels musical and maintains a feeling of communal comfort...
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S&P Sandwich Shop, opened in 1928, serves Jewish classics like matzoh ball soup and latkes in a nostalgic setting that feels like stepping back in time. A must-visit!
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Games of Professional Baseball in New York doesn't just mean watching the Yankees play and paying 100s of dollars: watch a Class A game for much cheaper!
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