The Grafton Public Library welcomes the community to use the various display and exhibit areas in the Library with preference given to Grafton residents and Grafton-based organizations. Space is provided for displays of an educational, cultural, intellectual, charitable or recreational nature for exhibiting works of area artists and craftspeople. All reasonable attempts will be made to provide this space on an equitable basis. These display areas may also be used for materials from the Library's collection or to publicize Library services or activities.

The Grafton Public Library welcomes artists and groups to use available Library exhibit space to show their work. Permission given to a group to use the Grafton Public Library facilities does not in any way constitute or imply endorsement of its beliefs, policies or programs by any library official, the Board of Library Trustees, or the Town of Grafton.

The Grafton Public Library reserves the right to determine at its sole discretion what materials will be displayed as well as scheduling, duration, and assignment of display spaces. The Library has the right to review the materials in advance. The Library's decision on what will be displayed in its exhibit spaces shall be final.

Selection

  • Materials for display or exhibit are subject to prior approval of the Library Director or, at times, a juried panel. An Art Exhibit & Display Form must be completed and submitted online 30 days in advance.
  • Art exhibits and displays will rotate as time and staffing permit.
  • Suitable time and space limitations will be set.
  • Materials will not be for sale in the Library; a business card and reception book may be provided by the artist or curator.
  • The Library endeavors to present a broad spectrum of opinion and viewpoints. The Library does not endorse content nor imply agreement or disagreement with beliefs or viewpoints expressed in the exhibits or displays. The Library does not accept responsibility for ensuring that all points of view are represented.
  • Acceptance of display is not an endorsement of the exhibition, their work, or their artist's statement.
  • The following criteria will be taken into consideration when selecting art for exhibit and display. There may be some overlap. Applicants are not expected to meet all criteria:
    • Treatment of exhibition content and approach
    • Quality of implementation
    • Artistic quality
    • Originality
    • Suitability to library exhibition spaces
    • Relevance to broad based and diverse community interests
    • Suitability of subject, technique, style, and interests for intended audience
    • Usefulness to a general audience
    • Relevance to library programs or other events or exhibits in the community
    • Historical or regional significance
    • Appropriateness to special events, anniversaries, holidays, etc.
    • Representation of an influential movement, genre, trend or national cultural significance
    • Social relevance
    • Insight into social conditions; depth of analysis
    • Diversity of viewpoints represented
    • Educational and professional background of the artist
    • Adequacy of purpose to primary goal of the library
    • Promote the use of the library and library services
    • Reaches out to traditionally underserved groups

Content

  • Artworks must be the original work of the applicant. Only artwork reviewed in the application may be exhibited. Any misrepresentation of artwork from the application may result in denial of exhibition. By submitting an application, artists grant the Library the right to use or publish images of their work in both print and online publicity.
  • Displays should be appropriate in scale, material, form and content for the Library environment.
  • The Library discourages material containing images that include elements of a discriminatory nature, or sexually explicit/violent content.
  • The Library does not accept exhibits or displays of a purely commercial nature.
  • Materials advocating a candidate or ballot proposition may not be exhibited.
  • The Library reserves the right to remove any item from an exhibition or display on the above grounds or if the exhibition is a possible safety hazard, is too large or otherwise inappropriate for the space provided, creates a maintenance problem, exceeds acceptable noise and light levels, or interferes with the public services or other activities in adjacent library areas.
  • If the exhibit contains elements that may be of concern under this policy, the exhibitor should discuss it with the Library Director or their designee in advance of completing the exhibit request form.

Display

  • Size and weight of individual pieces may be limited by space available, not to exceed 5' x 5' and 25 lbs.
  • Oversized installations will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • A single large item or collection of smaller items will be considered as "a display" by an exhibitor.
  • Exhibitors will be limited to one exhibit per year.
  • The exhibitor is responsible for installing and labeling the exhibit with coordination of municipal staff on an agreed upon date.
  • All displays/exhibits must be set up and removed with as little interference as possible to the daily operations of the Library.
  • All works of art must be hung using our Stas Art Rail system.
  • Nothing is to be attached directly to the walls using nails, push pins, tape, staples, sticky gum, etc.
  • Once the exhibit is installed, changes may only be made with prior Library approval.
  • The exhibitor must be identified by name within the display.
  • Groups using display spaces may not charge an admission fee, request donations or display prices on their work. A pricelist may be posted in the binder provided.
  • All items shall remain on display until items are scheduled to be removed.
  • The exhibit areas are open to the public only during the open hours of the library, and when the exhibit area is not in use.
  • Damages to the premises, equipment or furnishings as a result of exhibitor use will be charged to the individual or organization responsible.
  • The exhibitor shall remove the exhibit promptly on the agreed upon date.
  • A staff member must be available during the set-up and break-down of the exhibit.

Facility

  • A locking display case for all ages is available outside of Community Room A/B.
  • Hanging display for art and photographs is available in the following locations:
    • Community Room A/B (103/107)
    • Friends Corner (109)
    • Children's Program Room (114)
    • Teen/Tween Maker Space (120)
    • Stacks for adult collections (209)

Security & Insurance

  • Items are displayed at the risk of the exhibitor.
  • Staff are not responsible for monitoring display items.
  • Art and other display items are not tagged for the Library's security system.
  • The Library does not offer insurance to cover any loss or assume responsibility for any losses or damage to materials.
  • Artists/community members must secure their own insurance for their items.
  • Footage of security cameras may be requested by completing a Security Camera - Request for Video Footage form.

Exhibiting Fee

  • The Library does not charge an exhibition fee.
  • Donations to the Library Gift Account are always welcome.
  • Should the exhibitor wish to have an after-hours opening for the exhibit, the exhibitor may make a Facilities Rental Request for a Friday or Saturday evening event pursuant to the Facility Rental Policy, the terms of which are fully applicable.

Marketing and Publicity

  • The exhibitor is responsible for creating and sharing their own marketing materials.
  • The Library's name and address and hours of operation may be used in any publicity, but the Library's logo may not.
  • The Library will share materials that are provided in a timely manner on the Library's website, events calendar, online newsletter and social media.

Procedure to Request to Exhibit/Display Art

  • Exhibitor must review the Art Exhibit and Display Policy.
  • Exhibitor must complete the Request for Art Display/Exhibit form online.
  • Priority is determined on a first come, first served basis.
  • The Administrative Team will review requests on a rolling basis.
    • Exhibitors looking to exhibit during the Spring and Summer months (March – August) should submit an application no later than January 1st.
    • Exhibitors looking to exhibit during the Fall and Winter months (September – February) should submit an application no later than July 1st.
    • Exhibitors requiring flexibility around exhibit dates due to grant applications should contact the Library Director or their designee to request an exception.
  • Applications may take up to three weeks to be reviewed.
  • If an exhibit is selected, Library Director or their designee will contact the artist/organization with the display availability, a list of hanging materials available and further information and details, including how to coordinate installation.

Should any patron be dissatisfied with the reasonable accommodations offered, they may follow the appeals process as outlined on the Library's website at https://graftonlibrary.org.

Adopted by Board of Library Trustees, August 30, 2023