Mission Statement
To promote the intellectual and artistic accomplishments of women by creating a supportive community of
artists, writers and scholars.

Incorporated in 1976, the RMWI is based on the concepts behind Virginia Wolf’s essay, “A Room of One’s Own.” Talent and creativity can flourish best when supported and encouraged with adequate resources. Opportunity should not be restricted by gender.

The heart of the Institute is the Associate Program. Each year, seven to ten Associates are selected in open competition. Awards are based on artistic merit, project feasibility and group diversity. Winners receive stipends and support services to help them complete a yearlong creative project in the arts or letters. Associates’ works are exhibited at annual Showcase events: performances, readings, visual arts that are open to the public, at no charge.

Associates meet regularly during the year to share creative ideas, critique projects and draw support and inspiration from each other. This interaction, not usually available to artists of different disciplines working alone, produces a creative synergy, which enhances the perspective and insight of each associate.

The Ripple Effect

The Associates program operates within the context of and as a resource to the larger community. RMWI believes that enhancing awareness of and appreciation for the arts contributes to the building of a rich community and a fulfilling individual life.

Public Showcases and other Institute-sponsored events reach out to men and women of all ages, including students, who often find their own latent or frustrated talents revitalized by example or by participation in seminars and discussion groups. Associates gain recognition from the shows, exhibits and performances organized by the Institute.

RMWI’s mutually-beneficial happenings with the University of Colorado-Denver (UCD) expands the school’s arts, music, dance and writing curricula and offers associates a forum for presentation and critique of their talents. The UCD “Women in the Arts” program includes performances in the campus’s King Center and Emmanuel Gallery.