It was important to us that we opened the call to girls between 8 and 14. Multiple studies show that across these years girls confidence levels drop by 30% (source). It feels to us that it's these sensitive formative years where we have the most potential to inspire, when young girls are starting to look outward, reading society, to see where it is that they might fit in, and what it is that they might strive for.

The response to the Open Call was overwhelming, with incredibly talented entries from across the world: South Africa, America, Australia, Brazil. As part of the open call, girls were asked what it is that they love about creating art. We saw a strong overriding theme of a love of creating freely, without limitations and rules. A theme which sings perfectly in tune with what is at the heart of Aunt Joy – a determination to create more space for women in art and carve an easier, freer path for young female creatives. 

The Girls Like Us collection includes limited edition prints and original paintings, all created by featured Aunt Joy artists, with the selected artworks by young girls at the core.

There’s been an immeasurable amount of joy and excitement generated from this collection and watching it come together has been incredibly moving. The selected young girls recieve one of the artworks their art is featured in. A huge, heartfelt thank you to everyone involved. We hope you love it.