Systemwide Policies and Guidelines for Art Exhibits

DIS3.1 Mission Statement

The mission of the Salt Lake City Public Library as a dynamic civic resource is to promote "free and open access to information, materials, and services to all members of the community to advance knowledge, foster creativity, encourage the exchange of ideas, strengthen community, and enhance the quality of life." Within this framework and the guidelines of the Resource Selection Policy of the Library, resources such as art exhibits, displays, and programs are acknowledged as an important source of information, ideas, and inspiration which support the mission of the City Library.

As a community institution of learning and cultural exploration, the City Library is dedicated to the concept of intellectual freedom and endorses the Library Bill of Rights of the American Library Association (see Resource Selection Policy, Appendix H, page 21). The Library also accepts the Association's Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights on Exhibit Spaces and Bulletin Boards (see Resource Selection Policy, Appendix H, page 37). These documents were developed to assert clearly the commitment of libraries to the rights of freedom of speech and expression under the United States Constitution. In choosing the works to exhibit and in determining how to display those works, the City Library complies with these policies and guidelines. The policies and guidelines will be applied in the same manner to all who are invited to exhibit under the guidelines outlined in this policy.

The City Library adheres to all federal, state and local laws, including those pertaining to libel, copyright and pornography. The Library will exercise its right to impose reasonable restrictions on the time, place, and manner of any use of its exhibit facilities. The Library will exercise reasonable discretion in the placement of all exhibits (for example, an exhibit that may include sexually explicit or graphically violent material). In so doing, the Library will preserve the public's right of access and make reasonable efforts to preserve the integrity of the exhibit as a whole.

 

DIS3.2 Art Exhibit Procedures

DIS3.2.1 The City Library offers the opportunity to exhibit works of artists on an invitational basis at every library location. A Call for Entries for exhibits at each location is issued at least once a year. To ensure exhibits of the highest interest, quality and diversity, the Library may pursue traveling exhibits and invitational shows.

DIS3.2.2 Each branch and Main Library Department responsible for exhibits will have its own selection jury comprised of at least three members of the local staff who will review applications to exhibit and make selections for the local art exhibit program, subject to the approval of the branch or department manager. The makeup of the selection jury shall be diverse in terms of subject knowledge, administrative expertise, and with community ties that encourage the participation of local artists including, but not limited to, professional and amateur artists, children's artists, and other specialty arts groups. The Level 4 Department at Main is in charge of the Lower Urban Room Gallery. The selection jury for exhibits which occur in the Lower Urban Room and the Urban Room is made up of the Deputy Director, the Events Coordinator, and one/two staff members from Level 4.

DIS3.2.3 A system review committee, comprised of one member of each agency selection jury, coordinates the local selections to ensure a wide variety of artistic expression and opportunity throughout the City Library System as a whole. The system review committee also oversees the most appropriate use of systemwide facilities and spaces for specifically designated exhibits. The Facilities Manager and the Deputy Director will be consulted on exhibits which may fall outside the usual requirements in terms of space or special installation requirements. 

DIS3.2.4 The artist submits an application to exhibit for approval to the agency where the exhibit is to take place. The selection jury shall consider the selection of exhibits in terms of the following standards:

  • Artistic merit of the works.

  • Suitability of format to the Library's physical limitations.

  • Relevance of the work to the community as a whole.

  • Effective use of the medium and its appropriateness to the content of the work.

  • Insight into the human and social condition.

  • Importance as a document of the times.

  • Reputation and/or significance of the artist, as documented by art professionals and the public.

  • Representation of a movement, genre, trend, or ethnic heritage identity.

  • Particular relevance of work or artist to a given branch location or service area.

  • Compliance with all federal, state and local laws, including those pertaining to libel, copyright, and pornography.

DIS3.2.5 In determining which works to exhibit, the selection jury shall not discriminate on the basis of the content of the work, except as expressly provided in paragraphs A through J of section 3.2.4. If the selection jury is unable to determine whether a particular work complies with applicable laws, the selection jury shall seek advice from the Library Administration and the Library Board of Directors, either of which may, in appropriate situations, seek advice from legal counsel.

DIS3.2.6 Responsibilities of the exhibiting artist and the City Library are divided as follows:

The artist is responsible for supplying:

  • An exhibit of work which is consistent in form, quality, and content with that which was selected for exhibition;

  • A completed and signed Exhibition Agreement contract (see DIS3.4) which must be received by the Library prior to exhibition opening. This is required from all artists for all library locations;

  • If requested, a black-and-white representation of the artwork for publicity purposes (halftone, black-and-white print or camera-ready artwork) at the time specified;

  • Postage and mailing of gallery announcements to any individuals or organizations not expressly included on the City Library's mailing list. Postage and mailing of branch announcements;

  • List of titles and prices.

The City Library is responsible for:

  • Producing postcard-sized, black-and-white show announcements;

  • Installation of the exhibit;

  • Signage of sufficient size to be immediately noticed and to be posted at all entrances where the exhibit is being held, citing the name of the artist and identifying the medium of artwork contained in the exhibit. The Library may also use signage descriptions to inform patrons of the nature of the work; for example, informing patrons of sexually explicit or graphically violent material;

  • Media coverage and information in the library newsletter;

  • Postage and mailing of gallery announcements included on the City Library's mailing list to the media, local organizations, and the public;

  • Optional reception with light refreshments;

  • Insuring the works against damage or losses for an appraised value not to exceed $3,000.00 per piece.

DIS3.2.7 The staff members in charge of the exhibit are responsible for submitting all appropriate information (artist biographies, photos, etc.) to the Communications Department within established time frames.

DIS3.2.8 The artist will submit a price list, for insurance purposes, to the Business Office by the opening date of the exhibit. 

DIS3.2.9 The artist must provide pieces ready for hanging. Hanging or arrangement of the exhibit will be done by library staff. If exhibits are not free standing, they will be hung in a manner which has been approved by the Facilities Manager.

DIS3.2.10 The Level 4 Department and other owning agencies coordinate the use of display cases or pedestals. Delivery of the cases will be coordinated with the owning agency and the Maintenance Department staff.

DIS3.2.11 All information and guidelines will be sent to the artist in a timely fashion (i.e., parking, loading, contract).

DIS3.2.12 Other approved programs and displays may be presented in conjunction with the exhibit.

DIS3.2.13 A historical documentation of exhibits is kept at each agency. Communications staff also keeps records of the materials and publicity produced for exhibits.

 

DIS3.3 Grievances

A member of the public who has a concern about a display, exhibit, or printed materials posted in the City Library is invited to send written comments to the Library Director. The Library will respond to written statements in the following manner.

The patron will be notified that his/her written statement of concern has been received by the Library.

A review process by the Library Administration will begin within five working days of receipt of an individual's written statement.

While a concern is being considered, there will be no change in the status of the exhibit, display, or posted printed materials.

Upon completion of the review process, the Library Director will notify the patron with the Library's decision.

A member of the public aggrieved by an administrative decision about a library exhibit, display, or posting of printed material may appeal with a written letter to the Library Board of Directors within five working days of the decision and may appear before the Library Board at a regularly scheduled Board meeting to state his/her position. A library manager may present an opposing view at the same meeting with the Library Board deciding the matter.

 

DIS3.4 Exhibition Agreement Contract 

Exhibition Agreement

THIS AGREEMENT, made and entered into this day of          20        ,  by and between the Salt Lake City Public Library, hereinafter referred to as "Library," and 

 

  , hereinafter referred to as "Artist."

WHEREAS, Artist desires to display certain items (hereinafter referred to as "the display") at facilities of the Library; and

WHEREAS, Library is willing to allow Artist to display the items under certain terms and conditions;

THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises contained in this Agreement, Library and Artist agree as follows:

Artist shall exhibit the display beginning on , 20           , 

 

and running through , 20           , unless Library, in its 

 

discretion, determines to terminate the display at an earlier date. The display shall be 

 

presented at the         Library, the address of which is

 

      . The display shall 

 

contain (number of) items in the following media:                     .

 

All works to be exhibited shall be consistent in form, quality, and content on which Artist's selection for exhibition by Library was based. Such consistency shall be determined by Library in its sole discretion.

Library, in its sole discretion, shall determine the duration, location, and manner in which the works are exhibited to the public. Library staff shall have responsibility for the hanging or display of all works, and for all signage regarding the exhibition. Library, in its sole discretion, may use signage descriptions to inform patrons of the nature of the work, for example, informing patrons of sexually explicit or graphically violent material.

All works, including purchased works, will remain on exhibit for the duration of the exhibition. If removal or relocation of an item is required during the duration of the exhibition, Library will notify Artist as soon as reasonably possible.

Artist warrants that the works exhibited does not violate any local, state or federal law, including those governing pornography, libel, copyright, privacy, and/or publicity. Artist shall indemnify and defend Library against all claims, liability, damages, costs and expenses, including attorneys' fees and expenses, arising out of exhibition of the works by the Library.

Artist and/or her/his representative will deliver completed works, ready for installation, to Library as scheduled. The scheduled date and time for delivery is:

 

 

All works must be in good condition when delivered, and paintings and prints must be framed. Sculpture shall have adequate base for display. Works to be hung must be wired on the back for installation.

Artist shall remove all items from library facilities as scheduled. The scheduled date and time for removal is:

          _   _ Artist acknowledges that Library has no adequate storage for display items. If Artist fails to pick up the display as scheduled, Library may place the items in storage at Artist's sole risk and expense.

 

On or before , 20 , 

Artist shall furnish Library the following: 

  • A typewritten biographical statement concerning Artist;

  • A typewritten statement of the Artist regarding the works to be exhibited;

  • A 5”x7” black-and-white photograph of one of the works to be exhibited; and

  • A typewritten list of works to be exhibited, including (where applicable) title, medium, date of completion, whether or not the item is for sale, and price or value.

Library shall have the right to use this information to publicize the display.

Artist hereby expressly agrees that Library and the news media shall have the right to photograph, film, and/or videotape any or all of the works exhibited for purposes of publicizing the exhibition and keeping a historical record of the exhibition.

Library shall be responsible for insuring the works against damage, destruction, or theft; but in no event, shall the Library's total liability exceed the sum of up to $3000.00 (Three Thousand Dollars) per piece unless a separate agreement (addendum) is appended to this contract. Contract addendums must be signed by the Artist and Deputy Director or another Administrator in her/his absence. In the event of such loss, the value of all works will be based upon an estimate of appraised value supplied by an independent appraiser chosen by the Library.

Library will refer all inquiries regarding purchase of items exhibited to Artist or her/his designated representative as set forth below:


 

Name

 

Home Telephone Work Telephone

 

Address

 

At the Library's discretion, and as an enhancement to the display, the Artist agrees to a public  

□ reception, □ workshop, □ demonstration, □ presentation 

 

on at          a.m./p.m. at 

 

the Library. If an opening reception is scheduled, the Library will provide light refreshments.

In the event of the death of Artist during the exhibition, Artist's legal representative shall notify Library in writing and furnish a certified copy of his authority. Upon the furnishing of such evidence of authority and the expiration of the term of the exhibition, the works of Artist will be released to the legal representative.

The terms of this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the heirs, administrators, successors, and assigns of the parties hereto.

This Agreement shall not be altered, amended, or modified except in writing and signed by all the parties.

 

SALT LAKE CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY ARTIST

 

By: By:

 

 

(Print name) (Print name)

 

 

    (Date)     (Date)

 

DIS3.5 Addendum to Exhibition Agreement Contract

Addendum to Exhibition Agreement

THIS ADDENDUM, appended to the Exhibition Agreement between Library and Artist, provides the Library’s agreement to insure the following work(s) against damage, destruction, or theft in excess of the Library’s regular liability of up to $5,000.00 per display. The value of all works will be based upon, and may be subject to, an estimate of appraised value supplied by an independent appraiser chosen by the Library. The Owner may be required to supply supporting documentation for amounts claimed, such as photographs, independent appraisals, or reviews.

 

Description Amount

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SALT LAKE CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY ARTIST

 

By: By:

 

 

(Print name) (Print name)

 

 

    (Date)     (Date)


 

Approved by Library Board of Directors, January 2010