Library Art Display Policy

1. PURPOSE

1.1 The mission of Uintah County Library is to support its patrons on their journeys to learn, grow, and discover. Showcasing artwork for public viewing is considered an appropriate extension of this role. The Library’s large meeting room and designated spaces within the lobby are considered by the Uintah County Library Board of Trustees to be appropriate and adequate facilities for occasional public exhibits.

1.2 Uintah County Library adheres to all federal, state, and local laws, including those pertaining to libel, copyright, pornography, and obscenity.

 

2. CONDITIONS OF USE

2.1 Uintah County Library provides space when available for exhibits of interest to the general public. The following are the parameters of exhibits to be displayed within these spaces.

2.2 Artists and art organizations may apply to exhibit in the Library insomuch as such art displays:

a. Are scheduled by contacting the designated staff member to submit an art display reservation request, which will then be approved by the designated staff member based on availability of the display space;
b. Include a completely filled out and signed Display Art Liability Release form for each artist or organization whose artwork will be displayed;
c. Are scheduled no sooner than three months from the starting date, congruent with the Library’s Room Reservation Policy, and run no longer than one month;
d. Are not scheduled consecutively after another art show by the same artist or organization;
e. Are comprised of original works supplied by the artist or organization;
f. Are in compliance with all federal, state, and local laws, including those pertaining to libel, copyright, and obscenity;
g. Are appropriate for viewing congruent with the open and public nature of the Library as described in Section 3 of this document;
h. Do not infer Library sponsorship or agreement with either the sponsoring organization or the ideas represented in the art.

 

3. SELECTION

3.1 Library use of display areas takes precedence over any other use. The Library has the right to curate all content in the building, is not obligated to accept every request for art display, and reserves the right to reject any or all items loaned to the Library for display.

3.2 The Library encourages the arts and recognizes various methods of artistic expression. The Library further recognizes and supports individual artistic expression. However, because of the open and public nature of the Library, it is improper to display visual depictions of subject matter, including words, which are obscene, pornographic, or vulgar (as described in Utah Code Section 76-10-1201 and 20 U.S.C. Sec.9101,) or demeaning to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or age.

3.3 Library staff shall not discriminate on the basis of the content of the work, except as expressly provided in Section 3.2 of this document. As such, controversial work will not be excluded because of subject matter.

 

4. USE OF THE FACILITY AND EQUIPMENT

4.1 All artwork must be display-ready upon arrival at the Library. Artists and/or organizations involved in the display are responsible for the installation of the artwork.

4.2 Artists are responsible for picking up their own work within three business days of the end of the display period. Pieces of artwork, tools, hanging or display instruments, equipment and other items not removed from the premises within the exhibition window shall be considered abandoned and, therefore, the property of the Library to dispose of as it sees fit.

 

5. CANCELLATIONS OR REFUSALS

5.1 Uintah County Library may cancel or refuse to schedule art displays under the circumstances where:

a. Planned art displays do not meet Library criteria.
b. Event sponsors have previously failed to follow proscribed protocol as outlined in Library policy.
c. In response to a declared emergency.
d. In response to an order from the local Health Department.
e. Due to a scheduling conflict.

5.2 Refusals may be appealed to the Library Director and further to the Library Board of Trustees. Decisions made by the Board of Trustees are final.

5.3 The library may cancel an already scheduled art display if there is a scheduling conflict or if information comes to light indicating that an already calendared art display does not meet the established conditions of use.

5.4 Every effort will be made to notify the artist or organization in a timely manner of this cancellation. If a cancellation is made because of scheduling difficulties, efforts will be made to reschedule the art display in another, non-conflicting time slot.

 

6. LIABILITY

6.1 Uintah County Library is not responsible for any artwork on display that is lost, damaged, or stolen. Insurance covering the value of the artwork will be the responsibility of the artist or organization. Artwork displayed in the Library enjoys the same security as the library collection and equipment; however, this level of security does not eliminate the possibility of loss, damage, theft, etc.

6.2 The responsibility for any damage to Library property caused by the installation, display, or dismantling of a display will rest with the display artist or organization.

 

DATE ADOPTED: April 17, 2024