_gaia was founded in 2002 by Doris Caçoilo and Amie Figueiredo. Long time friends and activists, they brought together a group of women to begin organizing around women’s issues, activism and supporting local artists. _gaia has grown to have a long list of accomplished programs and events as well as a large group of supporters, artists and volunteers.

__gaia is a collective of women artists and activists creating art, events and opportunities in the visual and media arts, performance and design. Its members actively promote and support the work of local women artists while developing programs that encourage collaboration and create community to help emerging artists in need of studio space, facilities and resources. In pursuit of raising awareness _gaia concentrates on activism, from issues in the local community and the art world to global issues affecting the lives of women.