Four artists have now been chosen to pitch their ideas for a new sculpture to champion the achievements of women in Leeds.

A panel of representatives from Leeds Arts University, the council, Leeds Art Gallery, Leeds BID, Leeds City college and the play house have chosen 4 artists to develop a 3D maquette of their concept

It has been really wonderful to see the level of response from artists who are keen to be part of this historic project. The submissions have been incredibly varied and I am so pleased that we have now shortlisted the four artists who will go on to exhibit their models next year. There is a clear demand for women of this city to be celebrated in the art we see every day and I am really looking forward to seeing these ideas come to life as the project unfolds.

Congratulations to Briony Marshall, Pippa Hal, Wendy Briggs and Zsofia Jakab for being shortlisted.

The statue will be at the new Gateway court at Quarry Hill, close to leeds playhouse and Leeds Arts University.