Exhibiting Policy

Exhibiting Policy 

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for exhibiting at the Cranston Public Library (hereinafter “the Library”).¹

Policy

It is the policy of the Library to make exhibit space available for works of visual art at the Central Library in the James T. Giles Community Room. This space is provided free to the exhibitor and is made available on an equitable basis to local artists and arts programs. 

Exhibitions are typically thirty (30) days in length.

All exhibitions are free and open to the public during normal operating hours, except when the Giles Community Room is in use.

Exhibiting at the library is managed in accordance with the following policy guidelines:

General

1. Exhibitors must complete an application form. Submitting an application form does not guarantee exhibit space or the date requested. Exhibit requests are reviewed in the order received.
2. The Library may limit size, number of items and duration of exhibits.
3. Exhibitors with approved applications must complete a Memorandum of Understanding before the exhibit is confirmed and scheduled.
4. The person requesting to exhibit must be at least 18 years of age. 
5. Exhibiting at the Library does not constitute endorsement by the Library of the content or viewpoints expressed in the exhibition.
6. The exhibitor agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Library against any theft, damage, or liability as a result of the use of the exhibit space.
7. Damage to Library premises², equipment, or furnishings as a result of exhibitor use will be charged to the person or group responsible for holding the exhibition.
8. The exhibitor, not the Library, is responsible for securing all necessary rights and clearances for the copying, performance, display, and distribution of any materials included in the exhibition.
9. The needs of the Library take priority over all exhibitions.

Selection Criteria

1. Overall quality of artwork for the proposed exhibition.
2. The exhibition must fill the wall space of the Giles Community Room.
3. Appropriate for people of all ages.
4. Preference is given to artists and arts programs based in Cranston and the surrounding area.
5. Only original artwork may be included.
6. All exhibitions are approved by the Library Director or designee.

Logistics

1. The exhibitor must be identified by name within the exhibition.
2. The Library reserves the right to determine how all exhibits are arranged and displayed. Where feasible, artwork will be hung using the hanging system in the Giles Community Room. Nothing will be affixed to the walls using nails, thumb tacks, tape, glue or other methods that could damage the surface.
3. It is the exhibitor’s responsibility to set up and dismantle the exhibition according to a schedule established with the Library during normal operating hours. Library staff cannot assist with this process, and no artwork will be stored in the Library before or after the scheduled dates.
4. The Library reserves the right to remove exhibit materials if they are not removed by the scheduled end date. Exhibit materials may be disposed of if not claimed within seven (7) days.
5. The exhibitor may produce a sign, artist’s biography, and brief description of the exhibition for display. The exhibitor is responsible for producing labels for each piece of art.
6. The Library serves people of all ages. We ask that artists ensure that pieces are appropriate for all ages. Questions about content will be clarified during the application process. The Library reserves the right to require changes in layout for appearance or safety considerations.

Promotion

1. The Library will promote the exhibition via the library’s website, monthly newsletter, and flyer display in the library. The exhibitor is responsible for all other promotion. 

Reception

1. An exhibition reception may be scheduled in the Giles Community Room during normal operating hours, subject to availability. 
2. Receptions must adhere to all library policies including the Meeting Room Policy and Library Use Policy.

Sale of Artwork

1. Artists may sell artwork on exhibit and are responsible for handling all transactions. The Library will not engage in selling or negotiating for the sale of artwork on behalf of the artist. Business cards, price lists, or contact information for the artist may be part of the exhibit.

See also related policies:  Library Use, Meeting Rooms

Revision History
Adopted by the Cranston Public Library Board of Trustees on December 10, 2025.

¹ refers to the Cranston Public Library, its governing board of trustees and its appointed director.
² includes the interior and exterior of any library building or structure, as well as the surrounding land.