At Refinery29, we will remember 2017 for myriad reasons, many of them painful and unpleasant because of what was happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. But there were also moments that will stick with us in a good way, because they revealed how powerful art and culture can be in difficult times.
As women across the country resisted in their own ways, R29's creative team decided to make 2017 the year of imagination and to showcase the ability art has to spark ideas and action, and to bring positivity and inspiration to people's lives. In a year when the needs and rights of so many were being ignored and dismantled, we wanted you to feel seen and respected when you came here. This meant pushing for even more diversity and inclusivity in our coverage, as well as a commitment to putting more female photographers behind the lens. We're happy to report that in 2017, nearly 4 out of 5 R29 shoots were executed by women.
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Looking ahead to 2018, it's unclear what we can expect. A trade war with China? A real war with North Korea? If we're being completely honest, it's a frightening time to be a young woman in America. And yet, there's arguably never been a more important time to be a young woman in America. We hope that the photos and stories ahead inspire and delight you. Maybe they make you feel more powerful or motivate you to try something new. Maybe they allow you to see something in a way you've never seen it before. We are proud of what we've accomplished this year and we believe that we're capable of dreaming even bigger in 2018 — and we know that you are, too.
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