Call for Exhibitions

This Call for Exhibitions is an invitation to visual artists and others to display their art work or collections in one of Minneapolis Public Library's (MPL) Community Libraries.

A. Community Library Exhibition Locations Conditions and Measurements

Inventory and Condition Report of Exhibition Spaces

B. Frequently Asked Questions for Exhibitors and Artists

Q: What types of work can be displayed?
A: Visual art of all forms can be displayed. Exhibitions of other objects or collections in humanities (for example: the history of a neighborhood) and sciences (for example: a fossil display) are also eligible for consideration. All material submitted for exhibition must be appropriate for children of all ages.

Q: Who can display work?
A: Artists (or groups of artists) of all ages living and/or working in Minneapolis will be given priority for display space, though others are also considered.

Q: Can I request that my work be exhibited at a particular community library?
A: Yes, we understand the importance for some artists and arts groups to exhibit in their own community. However, depending on what space is available at the time, being open to exhibiting in all libraries may be beneficial. See the next question for a list of available libraries with exhibition spaces.

Q: What spaces are available to display artwork or collections?
A: Glass front cabinets are available at the following libraries: East Lake, Franklin, North Regional, Pierre Bottineau, and Sumner Community Libraries.

Wall space is available at the following libraries: North Regional, Pierre Bottineau, Sumner, and Washburn Community Libraries.

Please consult the Minneapolis Public Library's Inventory and Condition Report of Exhibition Spaces for further information on these exhibition spaces.

If after consulting this document you question whether your work will physically fit into these areas, please visit the community library at which you would like to display. Directions and hours are available online at Locations.

Q: I see other opportunities besides those display areas identified by MPL for displaying artwork, such as empty walls. Can I apply to exhibit in those spaces?
A: No. All objects exhibited at MPL must utilize hanging rails and hardware supplied by the library. No other hanging systems are permitted.

Q: Is there a limit to how many artworks or objects I can display at one time?
A: Depending on the size of work being displayed, we generally ask that you limit your exhibit to 10 objects at a time. However, exhibitions requiring more than 10 pieces will certainly be considered. We are flexible depending on the amount of space available for display at the community library.

Q: How do I apply to have my work or collection displayed?
A: Applying for library exhibition space is easy. The applicant must submit an application form and an object checklist, along with a brief biography (maximum one-page) and three computer images or photographs of the artwork(s) or collection. Any digital format is acceptable. These should be submitted to Melinda Ludwiczak at mludwiczak@mplib.org. While electronic submission is preferred, application materials can also be mailed to Melinda Ludwiczak, Partnerships Coordinator for Arts and Business, Minneapolis Public Library, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55401. No artwork or collections may be exhibited in the library before this paperwork is completed.

Q: How will my application be evaluated?
A: Applications for exhibition space are evaluated based on the following criteria:

1. The artistic quality and originality of the artwork or collection.
2. The ability of the artwork or collection to link the Library with the broad and diverse audiences and community interests of Minneapolis.
3. The ability of the artwork or collection to invite discovery.
4. The practicality of installation within MPL exhibition spaces.

Q: Who will evaluate my application?
A: All applications are submitted to the Partnerships and Communications Division. The Partnerships Coordinator for Arts and Business reviews applications for adherence to selection criteria established by MPL. Applications that meet selection criteria are forwarded to the Community Library Exhibition Subcommittee for consideration. Applicants are notified by the Partnerships Coordinator regarding the process for consideration and status of their application. MPL reserves sole discretion and the right to refuse any submissions of material for display.

Q: I see that a display area is available, why do I need to go through a formal application process?
A: A formal application process helps MPL adhere to the criteria described above for exhibitions, and an organized process ensures that everyone has an equal opportunity to display their work or collections.

Q: Both stages of my application have been approved. Can I install my artwork or collection now?
A: After the application and object list are approved, information for contacting staff at the community library where your objects will be exhibited will be sent. You will arrange a mutually agreed upon time for installation and de-installation of the exhibition with the library staff.

Q: If I am selected to exhibit my artwork or collection, how long will it be on display?
A: Community Library exhibitions normally run for 30 to 60 days, though MPL will consider exhibitions lasting more than this time. MPL reserves the right to choose the length of time for any exhibition or display.

Q: Will someone help me install and de-install my exhibition?
A: No. You are responsible for the packing, transporting, delivering, installing, dismantling, and removal of all objects displayed as defined in the Exhibition Agreement. MPL staff is not available to help with installation of your exhibit. If is takes more than one person to install your objects, please bring someone with you to help with installation. You will be held responsible for any and all damages to the library caused by you or your agents during installation or removal.

Q: Does the library have frames, mattes, and other materials I can use to display my work or collection?
A: No. Unfortunately, MPL is unable to provide framing or display systems other than basic hardware for mounting.

Q: What hardware is available for me to use in my installation?
A: The Minneapolis Community Libraries utilize a system of adjustable steel hooks and holders on hanging rods. The frame hooks secure the frame on the top and bottom with a "lip" or stretcher. The hi-holders securely hold the frame in place on the backside of the artwork. All hanging work must be securely framed and properly wired.

Q: Can the library store my artwork or collection if I am unable to remove it when the exhibition ends?
A: No. MPL is not responsible for any exhibition objects that are not dismantled and removed by the designated removal date after an exhibition. You will be responsible for dismantling and removing exhibition items or to pay charges for dismantling, removal and storage. MPL does not provide storage for any exhibition-related materials or packaging before, during or after an exhibition or display is installed and dismantled. Exhibition installation and removal must be scheduled in advance with staff at the community library.

Q: If I am selected to exhibit my artwork or collection, can I include signage to describe the work?
A: Yes. You may provide information for labels, artist statement, signage and posters. Labels must be applied with adhesive material approved and supplied by MPL. Other requirements for labels for exhibition objects will be specified in the Exhibition Agreement. MPL reserves the right to final appearance of all such material.

Q: If I am selected to exhibit my artwork or collection, can I provide business cards or pamphlets about my art or collection?
A: MPL does not engage in the sale of objects displayed in an exhibition, and thus you are NOT permitted to display pricing information as part of the display. A contact name, phone number, web site or e-mail address may appear with exhibitions, and business cards may be left in a holder provided by MPL. Additionally, a sheet describing the exhibition may be placed in a holder provided by the library. Most of the holders are portrait layout and hold an 8.5" x 11" sheet of paper, single sided. The presence of these materials is more convenient in some exhibition spaces than others. At the very least, space is available for a limited amount of written materials at the library's bulletin board with other community-related pamphlets.

You may also submit biographical information or an artist statement and a computer image of the art for inclusion on the MPL website for publicity purposes.

Q: Will insurance be provided for my work or collection while it is on display? Is insurance required?
A: Insurance is not provided by MPL for objects loaned, exhibited or displayed through the Call for Exhibitions program of art work or other objects exhibited in Community Libraries. You must make your own insurance arrangements, as the responsibility for loss, theft, damage or vandalism is held by the exhibitor. Your insurance must cover transport, installation, dismantling and removal of exhibition objects. Proof of insurance must be submitted for the exhibition in MPL Community Libraries or you must sign a release form to release and hold harmless MPL from any liability for damages to or loss of the exhibitor's property.

Q: May I hold a reception at the library to celebrate my exhibition?
A: A reception may be arranged for an exhibition, to be held during regular library hours. Requests by exhibitors to have receptions in the library should be submitted in writing and reviewed by the librarian. The exhibitor must arrange their own reception, and MPL meeting room policies apply. Permission will be granted if the request conforms to the library's standards and guidelines. For a copy of the meeting room policy, and to make a room reservation, please visit the website Click here.

Q: Who can I contact if I have further questions?
A: Melinda Ludwiczak, Partnerships Coordinator for Arts and Business, can be reached at 612.630.6246 or mludwiczak@mplib.org. Visual artists in the Twin Cities area are welcome to submit their work for exhibition at MPL Community Libraries. Artists living and/or working in Minneapolis will be given priority for display space. Exhibitions of other objects or collections in the arts, humanities or sciences are also eligible for consideration.