Policy Statement: Exhibitions and Displays
- Philosophy
Since 1921, exhibitions and displays of works of art and crafts have been a part of the Jones Library's program for encouraging appreciation and understanding of art. The Trustees believe that Amherst's public libraries should continue to be places where Amherst area artists and craftspeople, particularly those without the reputation or resources which would enable them to exhibit at museums or commercial galleries, can show their work.
Additionally, the Jones Library seeks to serve the broader cultural needs of the town, by making its facilities available for exhibits of every type of educational and community interest organized by individuals, sponsored by educational and civic organizations, charitable activities, and of course, by its own Special Collections. The Library regards the "quality" of any particular exhibit as being as important as the opportunity it provides artists to acquaint the community with new work.
The Library does not advocate or endorse the viewpoints of exhibits or exhibitors. In the spirit of civic dialog, the Library reserves the right to allow expression of opposing points of view in an area adjacent to exhibits on political or social issues.
- Selection Policy and Procedure
Exhibitions at the libraries are the responsibility of the Director who has delegated selection responsibility for the Burnett Gallery to the "Gallery Committee", representing the Amherst Arts Council, the Amherst Public Arts Commission, the Library, and the community at large. The Curator of Special Collections is responsible for displays related to the archives, and the Children's Librarian arranges for displays in the Children's Rooms. The Director coordinates use of other exhibit spaces. Responsibility is delegated to the Branch Librarians for exhibits in the branches.
Exhibits provide opportunities to the community to view the work of artists and craftspeople of the Amherst Area. Collectively, the Library's exhibits should reflect a variety of media, styles, and diverse cultural viewpoints. In addition to fine arts, the library frequently will exhibit materials of broader educational or community interest.
Burnett Gallery: The Gallery Committee will mount monthly exhibits in the Burnett Gallery displaying the works of local artists and school arts programs. The Gallery Committee will issue a Call for Exhibitors and act as a jury to choose exhibitions for the year. The Committee may elect a chair and other officers, as needed. Within a given year, shows for the Burnett Gallery will be selected in a variety of disciplines and will balance various levels of artistic experience, diverse cultural backgrounds, and a range of community interests. Shared use of the space is encouraged, when practical. No permanent changes may be made to the gallery without written permission from the Director.
First floor exhibits: Individuals or groups wishing to exhibit in the Atrium or first floor hallways must seek the special permission of the Director. The primary purpose of the display must be educational or cultural. Sponsors of the exhibit must be clearly identified. Space is made available for one month at a time.
Library Staff: Cultural and educational displays may be developed by the Library staff in the various departments of the Library. In no sense may a Library sponsored event or display celebrate or endorse a religion or a religious faith or a political ideology. The staff is encouraged to develop displays of Library materials and programs that reflect the cultural diversity, values and interests of the community.
- Fees
There are no fees for holding an exhibit at the Library. There is a charge for insurance coverage for gallery exhibits, and artists are advised to purchase this protection for their work under the Library's policy. Sales of items on exhibit will be handled directly by the artist, not the Library. The Library requests that exhibiting artists who make sales as a result of an exhibit contribute 15% of the sale price to the Library's Gallery Refurbishing Fund.
- Artist's and Exhibitor's Responsibility
All exhibiting artists will be responsible for installing their work, hanging pieces and identification labels, and their removal. Exhibit installation must not damage the walls. Announcements of exhibits will be made in the Library and on the Library website. Any additional publicity and promotion of the exhibit is up to the artist or exhibit sponsor.
The artist may sponsor an opening reception at the Burnett Gallery within the normal hours of the Library. The artist must supply all set up and clean up in the gallery space. No alcoholic beverages may be served, and no open flames (candles, chafing dishes) are allowed. The Library is not responsible for storage or damage to items left beyond the display period. Other details regarding the procedures of holding an exhibit in the Burnett Gallery will be provided to artists by the Gallery Committee.
Amended by the Board of Trustees June 17, 2003 and December 20, 2007.
This page last updated on November 13, 2008.