Creating Space: open call for an exhibition that centres women’s midlife experiences
MA Art Gallery and Museum Studies student Sarah Coles invites women artists who have created work inspired by their experiences of perimenopause and menopause to participate in an exhibition in Leeds.
“At 50, I understand how powerful, complicated and creative midlife can be. I also know how often women’s voices and lived experiences are overlooked, particularly around the subject of perimenopause and menopause.
“Art has always been a way for me to make sense of the world, especially through sketching. Now, as part of my Master of Arts (MA) dissertation in Art Gallery and Museum Studies at the University of Leeds, I am creating an exhibition that centres women’s midlife experiences.
“In academic literature, menopause has often been framed as a medical or biological event, rather than a lived, emotional and cultural experience. More recent feminist scholarship, however, challenges these limitations, recognising menopause as a powerful stage of identity transformation. Yet despite this, the voices and creativity of women in perimenopause and menopause are still underrepresented in public cultural spaces, including galleries and museums.
“As Griselda Pollock highlights in her work on feminist interventions in art, museums have historically reinforced silences about women’s diverse experiences, and midlife is no exception.
“This exhibition at Northlight, Leeds, aims to address this gap by creating a space for women artists who have created work inspired by their experiences of perimenopause and menopause, and who have never exhibited work before.
“I warmly invite you to share your paintings or sketches — no previous exhibition experience is required, just a willingness to give voice to your journey.
“All 2D visual work is welcome, whether abstract, figurative, expressive or experimental.
“Together, let us challenge the silence.
“Let us fill the gallery walls with this life stage's realities, complexities, emotions, and beauty.
“Let us make visible what has been unseen for too long.”
Submission guidelines
You do not need any previous exhibition experience to participate — this opportunity is especially for women exhibiting their work publicly for the first time.
The deadline for submissions is 31 May 2025.
If you would like to take part, please send the following by email to Sarah Coles at ll19s2c@leeds.ac.uk:
- 1–3 clear images of your artwork (JPEG or PNG format)
- A short description of each piece (maximum 100 words per artwork)
- The title, size and medium (for example watercolour on paper, acrylic on canvas)
- A short artist statement (maximum 150 words) sharing your connection to the theme
- Your full name, preferred contact email, and a brief biography (maximum 100 words)
Selected artists will be contacted in early June 2025 with further details about the exhibition.
A personal note
“If you feel unsure about submitting your work, please know you are not alone.
“This exhibition celebrates creativity, courage and the power of telling our stories — it is not about perfection or professional experience.
“Whether you sketch in a notebook, paint on canvas, or express yourself in any 2D medium, your voice is important and welcome here.
“I truly encourage you to share your work, even if it feels a little daunting.
“This is a space for first steps, new beginnings, and recognition of women's rich and varied experiences at midlife.
“I would be honoured to receive your submission.”
