Art Exhibit Policy and Display Guidelines

Purpose

The Henderson County Public Library (“Library”) seeks a mutually beneficial and cooperative relationship with the local art community, in order to foster its mission to provide informational, educational, cultural, and recreational services to the residents of Henderson County.

Such a collaborative relationship will supplement and enhance the Library’s collection, resources, and programming and provide cultural opportunities to library patrons. It is in alignment with Goal 4 of the Library’s Strategic Plan to “create and maintain a comfortable place” which provides “aesthetically pleasing, age-appropriate spaces…[which will] enhance our interiors with locally produced arts and crafts to establish a sense of place and celebrate our regional character.”

In pursuit of the stated purpose, the Library will work with local art organizations and individuals, including but not limited to the Henderson County Arts Council and the Art League of Henderson County, to liaise with artists interested in displaying and exhibiting their work in the Library’s designated exhibition space, and to select works which the Library finds to be consistent with its goals and missions for Henderson County.

Description of Display Space and Exhibit Guidelines

All works will be displayed in an area designated as the “art wall” by the Library for such purpose.

Works of art may be two-dimensional or three-dimensional. Artists are responsible for submitting work with the appropriate hardware and/or mountings for secure wall hanging or placement on display case shelves. Artwork that requires assembly or installation will not be displayed due to space constraints. Three-dimensional art (small sculpture or other object d’art) must be inside a display case.  

Wall hardware is supplied by the Library in the designated display space.

Name and contact information for works of art must be posted adjacent to the display. Artists are encouraged to include biographical information and/or explication about their work.

Pricing may not be posted on the Library display.

Artists will be informed of the duration of the display prior to its beginning.  Artists are responsible for picking up their own work within three business days of the end of the display period.

Artist Guidelines

Artists must complete and sign a written application form and release agreement prior to exhibiting their work in the Library.

All work must be copyrighted by the artist, or be eligible for copyright.

Artists must agree that work included in a display may be photographed and included in public news media for publicity purposes.

Artists must be willing to have their work displayed alongside the work of other artists included in an exhibit.

Artists may not attach any hardware or other item(s) to the Library walls or display area.

Any publicity materials created by the artist to promote a display must be submitted to the Library administration for approval before being released.

Disclaimers

Acceptance of any artwork for display does not imply endorsement of the artist’s viewpoints, beliefs, or artistic expression by the Henderson County Public Library’s staff, governing board, or county administration.

All artwork accepted for display must meet existing local, state, and federal laws on obscenity, copyright, libel, defamation of character or invasion of privacy. Artwork will not be displayed that, in the opinion of the Library administration, is deemed to be patently offensive to the community as a whole.

 Any artist whose work is refused may appeal to the Library Board by filing an appeal in writing within ten days of the refusal. The Library Board will hear the appeal at its next regularly scheduled meeting. The Library Board’s decision will be final.

The Henderson County Public Library will not sell, act as an agent for, or be involved in the sale of items on display. Items sold by the artist shall remain on display until the end of the designated display period.

The Henderson County Public Library assumes no responsibility for theft, loss, damage or destruction of items left for display. Artists must sign a waiver releasing the Library, its officers, agents and employees from any loss, damage or claim arising from the display of the artwork.

Approved by Library Board of Trustees: 9/14/2017