Imagined within the framework of the Generation Equality Forum, AWARE: Archives of Women Artists, Research & Exhibitions and matali crasset conceived the documentary exhibition, Be AWARE: A History of Women Artists, recognizing 20th-century women artists and the actions taken to highlight their work throughout art history. After traveling for several years, Be AWARE will permanently settle in Dunkerque as part of the Frac Grand Large’s permanent collection.

As part of the Generation Equality Forum’s cultural program organized by UN Women, Be AWARE: A History of Women Artists was initially presented at the National Library of France in Paris from June 15 to July 4, 2021. BE AWARE would then travel to several countries and within France before settling in its permanent home at the Frac Grand Large.

AWARE entrusted the design to matali crasset whose colorful universe of forms is transcribed into the modular, light, and easily transportable structure that can easily adapt to different spaces. In line with her work that sees design as a form of research, m. crasset designed the exhibition and its structure in such a way that certain content can be renewed and adapted to different geographical areas and thematic focuses.

This exhibition gathers people from all walks of life and of all ages curious to learn about the major issues faced by women artists through four main themes:

• Creating: why do women artists have to face obstacles specific to their gender affecting their creative processes?
• Reveal: how can the work of women artists be made more visible and inscribed back into art historical narratives?
• Write: how to reintroduce women artists into the narratives written by art historians?
• Unite: how can women artists unite with others to make their voices heard and strengthen their collective fight for better recognition of their work?

AWARE is happy to announce that Be AWARE: A History of Women Artists will be gifted to Frac Grand Large where it will be exhibited from February 17 to December 31, 2024. A design object and exhibition in one, Be AWARE will find its home among the Frac Grand Large’s collection dedicated to contemporary art and design from the 1960s to today. Frac Grand Large – Hauts-de-France’s 2020-2024 artistic and cultural projects focus on the history of its collection, notably its contemporary design collection.