The Incubator
About the “Art in Public Libraries” Program
Arlington Public Library spotlights local artists so that a greater number of diverse perspectives can be seen and more voices can be heard.
Partnering with community organizations and individuals, the library promotes art as a means to inspire, to connect and to facilitate thought-provoking and timely conversations.
Artists interested in showing their work in a temporary exhibition at the library should submit an application. The library accepts proposals on a rolling basis. There is no application fee or age restriction for submissions.
For questions, contact the library at LIB-ArtCommittee@arlingtonva.us.
Photo: William Dickson, "Be The Light," 2020.
The Arlington Public Library believes in the American Library Association’s (ALA’s) Visual and Performing Arts in Libraries Bill of Rights and has a long history of showcasing community and contemporary art at the library locations.
Exhibition Locations
Exhibition facilities are offered at the following locations:
- Aurora Hills Library - wall and display cases in lobby
- Central Library - 2nd floor, “The Point”
- Cherrydale Library - staircase walls; loft walls
- Columbia Pike Library - accent wall above study bar
- Courthouse Library - dedicated space above shelves
- Glencarlyn Library - display case at entrance
- Shirlington Library - two display walls: red accent wall, wall above holds area
- Westover Library - display case at entrance and walls
Submission Process
Exhibitions proposals may advocate a position or a point of view. However, inclusion in an exhibition or display does not constitute endorsement of the content or a point of view by the library or the County government.
- Applications for exhibitions will be accepted on a rolling basis.
- There is no submission charge.
- There is no age restriction for submissions.
- Artists are invited to submit work with a common theme, style or medium.
- Artists will be notified within 90 days about the Exhibition Committee's decision.
- Artists may resubmit new work after one year of exhibiting at the library.
How to Apply
Complete the online application, including:
- List of work, describing the title, medium, size and sale price or insurance value of each work. Please include “NFS” if work is Not For Sale.
- Short statement of the work. Consider discussing technique and materials used and/or themes addressed.
- Three to five images of your work. (Accepted formats: JPEG, PNG)