Held in the stunning Radford Auditorium, Dangerous Women brought together 50 members and friends of the Club to reflect on the bravery, ambitions, and power of women, past and present, who dared to defy expectations.
The evening centred around AGSA’s compelling exhibition Dangerously Modern: Australian Women Artists in Europe 1890–1940, which showcased the stories of 50 trailblazing Australian women who ventured to Europe at the turn of the 20th century, breaking social norms in pursuit of artistic careers on the global stage. These women weren’t just ahead of their time – they were revolutionary, and, in some eyes, “dangerous” for simply following their ambitions.
Guests were welcomed with canapés, drinks, warm conversation, and a luxurious gift from event sponsor Jurlique, setting the tone for a fantastic night of hospitality and connection.
Chair of Spence Club, Beth Shimmin, officially opened the night with a heartfelt welcome, an acknowledgment of Country, and a special thanks to the many volunteers, supporters, and sponsors who brought the event to life. Beth noted that hosting an event at AGSA had been a long-time goal for the Club - and it was one worth waiting for.
Guests were then privileged to hear from The Hon. Katrine Hildyard, Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence in South Australia, who spoke passionately about the importance of inclusion, resilience, and continuing the fight for gender equity in all spheres of life. Her remarks were uplifting and inspiring!
Following the Minister’s powerful speech, AGSA’s Tansy Curtin, Acting Assistant Director, Artistic Programs, took to the stage.Tansy shared the curatorial journey behind Dangerously Modern,highlighting key artists and themes from the exhibition. She also spoke candidly about her own career pathway in the arts, offering a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to thrive in a competitive industry. Her insights sparked a thoughtful and engaging Q&A with the audience, touching on everything from contemporary dangerous women to strategies for supporting each other in male-dominated fields.
Attendees then had the opportunity to explore AGSA’s First Fridays programming, including poetry readings, live music, and performance art, as well as visit the Dangerously Modern exhibition itself.
Our guests also received 10% off at the AGSA store – an exclusive bonus for our ticket buyers.
True to Spence Club’s values, the event also had a purpose beyond the evening. All proceeds were donated to Catherine House,supporting women experiencing homelessness in South Australia.
Dangerous Women was more than just a night at the Gallery. It was a celebration of fearless women, bold ideas, and the communitythat rises when ambitious women come together.
A huge thank you to our event sponsors and supporters: AGSA, Duda Balestrin Photography and Jurlique.
