Help Shape the First Women’s Monument on the National Mall

For too long, the stories etched into the marble and bronze of our nation’s capital have been incomplete. Of the approximately 40 statues and memorials dotting the National Mall, not one is dedicated to women’s history.

That is about to change—and the Women’s Suffrage National Monument Foundation wants the artistic community to help write the narrative.

A “Monumental” Call for Ideas

In a historic, first-of-its-kind initiative, the Foundation has launched “Monumental Ideas,” a nationwide brainstorming session to set the vision for a new 2.5-acre landmark at Constitution Gardens.

This isn’t a technical design competition or a request for blueprints (that stage will come later). Instead, this is a call for creative spirit. Whether you are a professional sculptor, a painter, a photographer, or a conceptual artist, the Foundation is looking for the “soul” of this monument. They want to hear from people of all ages to help define what should be represented in this historic space.

“It matters whose stories we tell, how we tell them, and where we tell them. In this country, we need to show every little girl that our country values who she is and who she will become.”
— Anna Laymon, President and CEO of the Foundation

Why Your Voice Matters

As women in the visual arts, we know that imagery is the language of legacy. This monument—authorized by Congress in 2023—will commemorate the ratification of the 19th Amendment and the generations of women who fought for the right to vote.

By participating, you are asserting a sense of authorship and ownership over a landscape that has historically excluded women. Your submissions will populate a gallery on the Foundation’s website and social media, and the themes you depict—bravery, resilience, community—will directly inspire the final design of the memorial.

How to Participate

The Foundation is looking for reflections on suffragist leaders, milestones in history, and even the inspiring women in your own life today.

• What to Submit: A photo or digital file of your creative work—drawings, paintings, sculptures, photographs, collages, or poems—accompanied by a short description.

• The Deadline: Submissions are being accepted through July 4, 2026.

• Where: Submissions can be made directly through the Foundation’s website.

Let’s ensure that when future generations walk past the willow trees of Constitution Gardens, they finally see the story of our “founding mothers” woven into the heart of American democracy.

The National Women’s Suffrage Monument will be located near the intersection of 19th Street and Constitution Avenue, neighboring the World War II and Lincoln Memorials.