VIDA: Women in Literary Arts has recently announced its budget for the year. VIDA, like many small organizations and nonprofits, operates partially as a result of its donors. This means that any contribution, no matter how small, is the reason they can keep doing work that we hope will one day benefit the entire literary community. From publishing emerging women’s voices to organizing events across the country and starting the VIDA Count, they are committed to breaking down gender disparities and building new, tangible realities in the arts and beyond. VIDA says of The Count:
Each year, volunteers from across the country dedicate thousands of combined hours to perform an arduous task: we manually, painstakingly tally the gender disparity in major literary publications and book reviews.
We break down thirty-nine literary journals and well-respected periodicals, tallying genre, book reviewers, books reviewed, and journalistic bylines to offer an accurate assessment of the publishing world.
We were not surprised to find that men dominate the pages of venues that are known to further one’s career.
The VIDA Count, annual since 2010, has not only effected change in the publishing industry, but has also created a strong community of writers and advocates who stand with us. There is much more work to be done.
If you’re unable to donate to VIDA, please consider sharing their project with others, or even volunteering.