The Women in Culture Awards recognise women working across the three fields of contemporary cultural practice — making and production, knowledge and transmission, systems and community.
They record each recipient’s contribution in a permanent public registry. They are presented nationally on 17 October — the International Day of Intangible Cultural Heritage — in alignment with the global safeguarding agenda.
Once a year, the Awards confer their highest honour: the Women in Culture Laureate — awarded to a woman whose contribution to culture and society is of extraordinary national significance.
It is a determination that her knowledge, her practice, and her life’s work constitute a national asset — one that must be recorded, celebrated, and protected.
Japan formally designates such women as Living National Treasures. CWA calls her the Women in Culture Laureate.
The inaugural Awards will be presented on 17 October 2026.
Become a Founding Patron
The inaugural ceremony is being made possible by Founding Patrons — individuals and organisations who understand that formal recognition of women’s cultural contribution at this level is infrastructure, not ceremony.
Founding Patronage is extended by invitation. If you would like to discuss it, contact us directly.