Exhibiting Art at the Harbourfront branch
Are you a local artist looking to display your work?
The Creativity Commons has dedicated wall space available for artists free of charge!
How it Works
Every few months the exhibitions in the Creativity Commons – located on the second floor of the Harbourfront Branch – feature different artists.
We accept new artists on an ongoing basis. Artwork is displayed free of charge inside three meeting rooms and throughout the second floor and is exhibited to a two-to-three-month basis.
Before exhibiting, a contract must be signed between the library and the artist(s), ensuring our exhibition terms are agreed upon.
Exhibitors are responsible for the delivery, installation, and removal of exhibits, as well as having their work prepared for installation. For lightweight pieces, the Library can provide sixteen 8” magnetic frames.
The artist(s) are responsible for any sales of artwork and must include contact information if the artist(s) wishes to sell their work.
Each art piece should be labelled on the back with the name of the artist(s) and title of the piece for easy identification.
What We Do
The Library provides wall space with a cable and track system for hanging framed artwork or canvas with finished edges of varying size and weights, averaging 48×72 inches. If you’re unsure if we can accommodate your artwork, please contact us.
The Library will print the artist and/or exhibition statement and labels. The Library requires a copy of these items a week in advance of the scheduled exhibit for proofing.
The Library will promote the exhibit on the library website and social media channels. Any information and images provided by the artist(s) in their art submission may be used for the promotion of the exhibit.
How To Apply
Complete and attach the “Application to Exhibit Art” form application via email along with photographs of the work you’d like to exhibit to nanaimoharbourfront@virl.bc.ca.
All works must be:
- Responsive to the diverse interests of the entire Nanaimo community;
- Created by the submitting artist or artists;
- Suitable in scale, material, form, subject, and content for the library environment;
- Consistent with the principle of respect for the dignity and worth of all people;
- Not intended as advertisements or solicitations for recruitment, business, political campaigning, or fund-raising;
- Not AI generated or enhanced using generative AI;
- and ready for display/hanging.
FAQs
How long will the artwork be displayed for?
Anywhere from two to three months, depending on themes and availability.
Can I submit multiple items?
Yes! Please do. For us to get an idea of your work, we prefer three to six example pieces are submitted.
How many spaces are there?
There are nine spots scattered throughout the Creativity Commons and meeting rooms but with our cable and track system, we can hand multiple pieces on one cable. We can hang up to twenty-two small pieces and an average of nine to fifteen larger pieces.
Can I sell my art through the library?
Buying inquiries should be directed to the artist. VIRL does not facilitate purchases or commissions. Exhibitors are responsible for delivery, installation, and removal of exhibits, as well as means for hanging (picture hooks, chains etc.)
How are spaces allocated?
Pending review of the submissions, individual artists and art groups may be grouped based on themes. Individual artists may have the opportunity to use all spaces, but this will be decided on a case-by-case basis.
What if I have a group of artists who are interested in submitting?
We welcome that! Please include all of the works and artists in your submission.