NYC will honor notable women with new public monuments

A new effort called "She Built NYC" will encourage New Yorkers to nominate historical women to be honored with public artwork

In efforts to honor women that have made a significant impact on the history of New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio's administration has assembled an advisory panel that will commission public artwork that honors local women and women's groups.

The panel that will helm the effort called "She Built NYC," is being assembled in part by First Lady Chirlane McCray, Deputy Mayor Alicia Glen, and the Department of Cultural Affairs. To kick things off, the city will launch an open call for nominations where New Yorkers can submit their ideas on how to honor historical New York women who have been deceased for at least 20 years or events involving women that have taken place at least 20 years ago.

"There are big gaps in our City's public art, with few statues of women, trans, and gender nonconforming people," said First Lady Chirlane McCray. "The message that lack of representation sends is that these people have no value and did not make contributions to our city. This first step we are taking will help us more accurately show the diversity in the people who helped make New York City so great."

Following recommendations from the Mayoral Advisory Commission on City Art, Monuments, and Markers, She Built NYC will determine where to erect new monuments and commemorations on public property. The Department of Cultural Affairs has committed up to $10 million over the next four years to actualize new monuments.

Nominations can be submitted to women.nyc between now and August 1.