The 2026 edition of the "Her Art in Action" festival, a prominent initiative promoting art and gender equality, has officially launched at the "Gazelli Art House" gallery, one of the well-known cultural venues in Baku.
The Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the opening ceremony, organized by the VarYox cultural platform, featured a group exhibition titled "A House with a View." The event serves as a platform for showcasing the diverse creative expressions of women artists from Azerbaijan and beyond.
Leyla Aliyeva at the "A House with a View" exhibition: Highlights from the opening
Leyla Aliyeva, whose own artworks are featured in the exhibition, attended the event and viewed the various art pieces on display. During the visit, she was briefed on the primary objectives of the festival, which include promoting gender equality in the arts and strengthening Azerbaijan's international cultural presence.
A poignant moment during the event was the celebration of the birthday of a martyr's mother, to whom Leyla Aliyeva presented a special gift. Additionally, several participating artists presented their handmade works to the guest of honor. The ceremony concluded with a visit to the memorial corner of Zarifa Hamzayeva, the founder and president of Gazelli Group.
"Her Art in Action" 2026: Uniting women's creativity across borders
Now in its third consecutive year, this unique festival is dedicated to women's creativity and international cultural exchange. Beyond Azerbaijan, the project actively brings together female artists from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Türkiye, Georgia, Egypt, as well as the Balkan region, Spain, and Lithuania.
The conceptual foundation of the exhibition, "A House with a View," explores the theme of "home" not merely as a fixed physical space, but as a fluid state shaped by the female experience. The theme examines how women navigate and create space within the tensions between public and private life, visibility, and solitude.
Over 50 artists and 3 venues: What to expect from the festival
The curator of this year's edition, multimedia artist Sitara Ibrahimbeyli, stated that the first exhibition, which opened on March 8, features works by 27 local and foreign artists. The three-month program will include a total of three major openings.
In April, a joint exhibition featuring students from the Integrated Training Boarding School No. 11 in Bilgah alongside renowned contemporary artists will be organized. The third project will take the form of an outdoor photography night in Icherisheher (Old City). In total, the works of more than 50 artists will be presented to art enthusiasts throughout the festival.
"View from the Window": A social message through carpet art
Independent artist Kafiya Eyvazova participated in this year's festival with a piece titled "View from the Window," created using the pile carpet technique. According to the artist, the work invites viewers to question family structures: "While male motifs appear to protect female motifs, they also seem to limit them. Gradually, the woman's facial features disappear."
The artwork encourages society to value women and avoid restricting their freedom. The festival, which spans various locations across Baku, will conclude on May 31. Such cultural events in Azerbaijan play a vital role in fostering international dialogue and highlighting the country's commitment to supporting the arts and social progress.
