‘Fearless Girl’ will stay in place through February 2018

Lower Manhattan’s “Fearless Girl” statue isn’t going anywhere—for the time being, at least. The 50-inch bronze figure designed by sculptor Kristen Visbal will stay in its place across from the Financial District’s “Charging Bull” until February 2018, the city announced on Sunday (h/t New York Post.) A temporary permit issued by the city originally called for the statue to be removed by April 2.

“In her short time here, the Fearless Girl has fueled powerful conversations about women in leadership and inspired so many,” Mayor de Blasio said in a written statement. “Now, she’ll be asserting herself and affirming her strength even after her temporary permit expires—a fitting path for a girl who refuses to quit.”

“Fearless Girl” was installed just before March 9th’s International Women’s Day by major asset management firm State Street Capital as a way of calling attention to the lack of gender diversity on corporate boards. (The firm itself counts three women among its 11-person board of directors.)

Since then, it’s been the subject of equal amounts praise and criticism. The statue counts among its supporters Rep. Carolyn Maloney, Public Advocate Letitia James, and WXY Studio’s Claire Weisz, who believe the statue is symbolic of female empowerment and resiliency.

The statue’s detractors, who argue that “Fearless Girl” is a PR stunt for a huge Wall Street firm rather than a true feminist statement, include “Charging Bull” artist Arturo Di Modica. Prior to the statue’s extended permit, Di Modica threatened to sue State Street if the statue remained in place past April 2.

What will become of the statue after its new permit expires has yet to be seen.

• ‘Fearless Girl’ will stay on Wall Street until 2018 [NYP]
• Wall Street’s ‘Fearless Girl’ statue will likely be moved [Curbed]
• Mayor de Blasio considers letting Wall Street’s ‘Fearless Girl’ statue stay [Curbed]