TPL-SER-15_Art Exhibits and Display Policy
Art Exhibits and Displays Policies
1.0 Purpose
This policy establishes the conditions and context within which Timmins Public Library supports display space for local community artists and groups. The Library will provide space for small exhibits:
- that are responsive to the diverse interests of the community;
- that are compatible with the library’s vision, mission and values;
- that are appropriate to the Library environment (i.e. family friendly);
- that are not in contravention of federal or provincial laws and regulations, or municipal by-laws;
- which do not contain advertisements or solicitations for recruitment, business or fund-raising.
2.0 Guidelines
Timmins Public Library facilitates art exhibits as part of its programming and partnership efforts. Applications from individuals and organizations seeking to display art are also welcomed.
Preference will be given to exhibitors who live or work in Timmins.
It is understood that art exhibits are not the main focus of the Library and that exhibitors/artists looking for a professional venue will be directed to the Timmins Museum: National Exhibition Center.
Exhibit space is offered subject to availability, and the Library reserves the right to schedule exhibits in a way that maintains all library functions and operations. Exhibits are unsupervised and are accessible to the public during the Library’s open hours, and also before opening hours in the display case of the Main Library’s foyer.
Applications are reviewed by Library staff on an as-needed basis and are selected according to the following criteria:
- availability and suitability of space;
- community interests and needs;
- historical significance or representation of emerging trends;
- quality of implementation;
- relation to past/future library exhibits or programs; and,
- suitability of physical form.
The Library retains the right to determine the suitability of any proposed exhibit for display and reserves the right to reject any part of an exhibit, for example work that is poorly presented or does not meet installation requirements. Considerations will include suitability of size, weight and framing for the proposed display space.
3.0 Exhibit Details
3.1 Location
Appropriate exhibit locations are limited and the Library will select the location of all such exhibits. Generally, this will be:
- in a designated display case in the lobby, or on shelves in the fireplace area at the Main Branch;
- on the south wall at the C.M. Shields Branch
3.2 Presentation
Each display or exhibit shall include information indicating who prepared it and whom to contact for further information. Descriptive signs/labels for each of the pieces are required. Complete identification, name, title, address and phone number of the artist should appear on, or be attached to, the back of each work of art for the duration of the exhibit. Due to space availability, three-dimensional artwork will not be accepted at the C.M. Shields Branch.
3.3 Hardware
Wall hanging works must arrive framed, wired and ready for installation. The Library will supply the necessary wall hanging equipment (track, hangers, hooks, step ladder).
3.4 Installation and removal
The Library is responsible for the installation and removal of art work/exhibits.
3.5 Length of exhibits
Proposed lengths for exhibits are a minimum of 1 week and a maximum of 3 months, depending on availability of space and the nature of the exhibit.
3.6 Fees
No charges will be levied for exhibition space. Artists displaying their work cannot have exclusive use of the space and charges may not be made for viewing exhibits without express permission of the Board.
3.7 Sales
Timmins Public Library will not act as agents for exhibitors, but the artist may label works with prices. The Library may also provide price lists and information for prospective purchases. It is expected that all items submitted will remain on display for the agreed time, even if sold. The artist exhibiting and/or the purchaser are responsible for transporting/delivery of pieces to purchaser. The Timmins Public Library does not take a commission for any works sold.
3.8 Promotion
The Library may prepare promotional material when exhibits are part of a partnership or programming initiative. In all other cases, artists are welcome to arrange their own advertising for the exhibition, at their own discretion and provided that the library logo is not utilized. Those advertising costs will be the responsibility of the exhibitor.
The library will not host opening receptions or vernissages. Artists/Exhibitors who wish to have formal shows are encouraged to coordinate these with the Timmins Museum: National Exhibition Center where exhibitions can be organized in an art gallery setting.
3.9 Insurance/Liability
The individual or organization agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, the Timmins Public Library, its employees, the Board and the City of Timmins from liability in case of theft, vandalism, or any other loss or damage to the exhibited materials. Exhibitors are strongly encouraged to carry their own insurance coverage.
4.0 Documentation
4.1 Art Exhibit/Display Application and Agreement (Appendix A – Art Exhibits and Display Policy)
Each Artist(s) or Exhibitor(s) must submit an application and sign the agreement in Appendix A.
No installation will be made until a signed Art Exhibit/Display Application and Agreement (Appendix A) is signed, received and approved. Any applications submitted by a minor must be signed by the legal guardian.
4.2 Art Exhibit/Display Information Sheet (Appendix B – Art Exhibits and Display Policy)
Each Artist(s) or Exhibitor(s) must submit photos of, or a weblink to, their work and a short biography suitably presented to be posted with the exhibit and in any promotions and a list of the works being displayed and prices if applicable.
