Overview
For generations, art by women was overlooked in favor of art created by their male colleagues. But the ‘Women Who Dared’ collection is proof that women will not be ignored. They simply refuse.
With over 400 works by female artists, from all 7 continents, spanning 2,500 years, the collection is a testimony to the diverse group of women who made their mark on the world, no matter the challenges—the women who dared to raise their voices through canvas and clay.
Two motivated art collectors and philanthropists, Ms. Sandra Nicholson and her husband Mr. William Nicholson
Ms. Sandra Nicholson, philanthropist and ‘Women Who Dared’ art collector, alongside Ms. Elaine Brennan, executive director at Northwell Health, at Davos House.
Women Who Dared Mission
Thirty years ago, two motivated art collectors and philanthropists, Ms. Sandra Nicholson and her husband Mr. William Nicholson, discovered something not quite right. Less than 2% of works across the world’s leading museums and galleries were by women. This inspired them to assemble the ‘Women Who Dared’ collection, the largest private collection of its kind in the world.
Thematically diverse, representing many races, ethnicities and cultures, the collection not only aims to compensate for the underrepresentation of female artists throughout history, but also encourages our communities to empower the women in our lives today.
Together
We Can Do More.
The art-health connection
Art heals. It opens our minds and raises our spirits. But much like women in art, women in health care have also been understudied and underrepresented throughout history. Enough is enough.
That’s why Northwell created the Katz Institute for Women’s Health, devoted to every aspect of women’s wellness, from community health education and clinical programs to leading-edge research focused exclusively on women.
With the art-health connection so strong, it feels most fitting for the ‘Women Who Dared’ collection to find a home at Northwell—where both women’s art and health can be raised to new light.
The collection will be featured across Northwell locations, alongside audio and video commentary, with highlights available for viewing here.
Northwell’s commitment to women
Women are often regarded as the chief medical officers of the home and gatekeepers of their family’s health. But when it comes to their own health, women have been neglected for far too long, because the default in medicine has always been man.
The thing is, women’s hearts, bones, minds and much more can show different symptoms and respond differently to treatments than men’s. Which is why Northwell is at the heart of change in women’s health care, and is a strong advocate for women’s causes across the board.
Better health for all
Northwell stands out as a team of collaborators, healthcare professionals, research pioneers and educators caring for millions of patients each year. Serving the incredibly diverse state of New York, Northwell’s goal is to raise health for all, across every age, gender and background.
