509 Arts Exhibition Policy

							509 ARTS EXHIBITION POLICY
MOTION: DATE APPROVED: February 25, 2009 DATE AMENDED:

POLICY INTENT This policy applies to exhibiting visual arts at the Rocky Mountain House Public Library. The library will provide exhibit space to artists to promote cultural awareness, and provide a commons for public access to expressions of creativity that reflect the diverse cultural interests of our local community and the world beyond. The policy will be implemented by the Library Board in cooperation with the Arts Advisory Council consisting of two volunteer artists, a curator and one library representative. GUIDELINES Exhibits will be no more than one month in duration. Artworks must be removed within 48 hours, during regular library hours, after the close of the exhibit. Exhibitions will be a mixture of shows from local and visiting artists held in solo and group formats. They will be derived from the Art Advisory Council curators’ research, call for entries and individual submissions. All work must be inventoried when submitted for exhibition. All work is to be valued if it is for sale. The prices for the work will be listed separately. Library staff will provide the Art Advisory Council curator’s contact information to interested purchasers and will not be involved in any transactions. Any work that is sold by the artist during the show will remain on display for the duration of the show. Artists can apply to have an exhibition by submitting a completed application form, biography or CV and 5-7 slides or digital images on a CD for review by the Arts Advisory Council. Exhibition applications can be downloaded from the library website or picked up at the library. Applications should be submitted to the library “Attention: Arts Advisory Council Curator”.

SELECTION CRITERIA Work shall be previewed to meet the following criteria:       The work demonstrates artistic merit and professionalism. The work is consistent with the principles of respect for the dignity and worth of all people. The work does not contain advertisements, solicitations for recruitment, business or fundraising. It is not in contravention of provincial or federal laws. It is the original work of the artist. It is suitable for display to a diverse audience, including children. This is not meant to censor controversial work but to ensure consideration of the public nature of the library facility and its community service mandate.

The Arts Advisory Council has the right to determine suitability and may reject any part of an exhibit.

PUBLICITY The artist will submit a press release kit to the Arts Advisory Council curator to be put on library letterhead, approved by the Library Manager, and forwarded to the local newspapers, other publications and various websites including the library, the Town of Rocky, Clearwater County, Alberta Craft Council and other appropriate websites. An interview may be conducted by a reporter from the local newspaper with photos taken and the article published prior to the opening of the exhibit. One week prior to the exhibit opening the artist must forward a list of work, which includes title, year constructed, medium and size of all works in the show so identification display cards can be made. The artist must provide an artist’s statement. The artist may also wish to include a CV, their photograph, photos of past work, business cards and a guest book. The library will offer the opportunity to hold a two-hour opening in the evening preferably outside regular library hours. The library facilities may be used for preparing refreshments.

FACILITIES AND EQUPMENT Exhibitors are responsible for delivery and pick-up of their work, to be arranged with the Arts Advisory Council curator. Installation may be by the artist and the Arts Advisory Council or solely by the Arts Advisory Council. As some exhibition space is located in a meeting room, there may be the occasion when part or the entire exhibition is not open to the public. There is no specific security system for the art works, and although staff will be alert to the activities in the library, they do not monitor the art. The artist is responsible for any liability insurance they wish to carry. The library is not responsible for loss or damage. The library cannot offer insurance coverage against theft or vandalism of art works. The artist must sign a waiver form. Should the artist not be available for the check-in inventory or check-out inventory, one Arts Advisory Council member and one library representative will close the exhibition.

ART DISPLAY SPACE INFORMATION Meeting Room dimensions: 19 feet X 23 feet with two door entrances on separate walls. The walls have tracking 79” off the floor on which to hang 2-D work. Glass Display Cases – There are two glass-front wall cases in the entrance lobby and these can be locked. Dimensions are 75”hx48”wx17”d & 75”hx53”wx15”d. Both display cases have lighting, two hanging hooks in the ceiling and one plugin. Wall space is available located on the north wall above the bookcases for larger scale 2-d work. It is 48” from the top of the bookcase to the ceiling. Additional display space for 3-d work may be available.

RESPONSIBILITIES The following is a list of responsibilities to be assumed by the Rocky Mountain House Public Library and by participating artists in holding exhibitions at the Library. The library will offer:    The opportunity to display works in the library meeting room, in showcases or on the walls. The use of any other display space in the library must be discussed with the Arts Advisory Council curator. The opportunity to hold a two-hour opening in the evening preferably outside regular library hours, The use of the library kitchen for preparing refreshments on opening night.

The artist(s) will be responsible for:    Framing, cleaning, and otherwise preparing works for exhibit. Displaying art works taking into consideration the limitations of the library hanging system. Artist may wish to display: o a poster to introduce the artist and the show o the artist's CV o the artist's statement o a photograph of the artist o photos of the artist's past work o business cards o comment sheet Organizing help with refreshments, service and cleanup on opening night. Removing art works from the Library during regular Library hours within 48 hours following the close of the exhibit. Consideration of offering a donation to Rocky Mountain House Public Library if a sale of artworks is made.

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THE LIBRARY CANNOT OFFER INSURANCE COVERAGE AGAINST THEFT OR VANDALISM OF ART WORKS. THE ARTIST MUST SIGN A WAIVER. SELECTION OF ART WORKS FOR EXHIBITION IS SUBJECT TO APPROVAL BY A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOUSE PUBLIC LIBRARY.