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Home » Explore » Art at the Library

Art at the Library

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.

When things get so bleak we don’t know which way is up, we have to remind ourselves that there is light at the end of the tunnel, even if you have to create it yourself.

Photo: William Dickson, "Be The Light," 2020.

Link to Art Exhibit Application.

Art Exhibit Application Form

Link to Art Exhibit Policy.

Art Exhibition Policy and Selection Process

Ceramic, glass and stone mosaic fountain.

Permanent Art Collection

Link to art exhibit posts.

Art Exhibits

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:

  1. 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.
  2. Short statement of the work. Consider discussing technique and materials used and/or themes addressed.
  3. Three to five images of your work. (Accepted formats: JPEG, PNG)

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