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Art Policy

Commerce Public Library Public Art Policy

I. Mission
The mission of the Commerce Public Library is to provide public space for residents to access and enjoy materials and services free of charge; to promote the enjoyment of reading, support lifelong learning, and meet the needs of the community; and to collect, preserve, and interpret materials related to the history of Commerce and the surrounding areas.

II. Goals of the Art Policy
The Commerce Public Library (CPL) Public Art Policy establishes a framework for curating exhibitions and expanding collections in alignment with the Library's stated mission of providing a beautiful, welcoming, and engaging public space for all members of the community. The CPL strives to present a broad spectrum of artwork and exhibitions that reflect Commerce’s diverse perspectives, ideas, and interests in ways appropriate to the library’s particular public setting. The Library's presentation of these works does not constitute the endorsement by either the Friends of the CPL or the library staff of the particular content, message, or medium of the work displayed. The display of approved artwork represents an affirmation of artistic and intellectual freedom as a bedrock of a free society and the public good. The Library adheres to the principles of intellectual freedom set forth by the American Library Association, including the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read and Freedom to View Statements.

III. Art Program Mission
Commerce Public Library aims to enrich the library experience for its patrons by:

  • Enhancing community appreciation and engagement with the arts, culture, and humanities.

  • Supporting local artists and fostering regional talent through the curation and display of their work

  • Expanding local access to the arts through featuring regional, national, and international works of art, history, or other creative cultural displays

  • Beautifying the library building and grounds through public art installations and engagement with partner institutions in the arts, culture, and humanities

IV. Exhibitions and Temporary Displays
The Library Director at Commerce Public Library oversees the selection of artwork based on the library's needs and the available exhibition space. Exhibition proposals are accepted on  an ongoing basis, with an annual jury process determining the schedule of exhibits.

V. Library Exhibitions and Jury Process

Exhibition proposals are accepted throughout the year. The library will consider proposals annually through a jury process. The membership of the Public Art subcommittee will consist of the Library Director, a board member of the Friends of the CPL selected by the board president, and a community member, selected by the Library Director, who has demonstrated relevant expertise in relevant fields. The jury will review and evaluate submitted proposals and will make their selections. Artists will be notified of acceptance within six to eight weeks of this deadline. Exhibitions are typically scheduled six months in advance, though the Library Director may adjust scheduling as necessary. While the library takes reasonable precautions to protect exhibited works and has some coverage over its contents, artists are responsible for insuring their own artwork against loss or damage. The decisions of the jury and Library Director are final.

VI. Criteria for Selecting Exhibitions
The jury will evaluate submissions based on the following criteria.:

  • Artistic Merit: The quality and integrity of the work.

  • Engagement: Contemporary relevance or evidence of lasting significance.

  • Artist Reputation: The experience and recognition of the artist.

  • Critical Reception: Reviews and commentary by art critics.

  • Public Interest: The potential to engage and educate the public.

  • Relation to Collections: Connection to the library’s existing exhibitions or themes.

  • Challenging Perspectives: Artwork that presents original or alternative viewpoints.

X. Requests for Removal of Artwork
The Library welcomes and encourages public engagement with the materials on display and will provide opportunities for patrons to provide feedback to the CPL director and Friends board. Individuals who wish to request the removal or reconsideration of specific artwork should submit a Request for Reconsideration Form, available at the circulation desk. The form will be reviewed by the Library Director and, if deemed to have merit, will be considered by the Public Art Subcommittee, which will deliver a decision, with explanation, to the patron and the artist within 30 days of submission. If the individual is dissatisfied with the outcome, they may appeal the decision to the Library Board, which will review the artwork in accordance with the Library’s Art Policy.

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