Arts and Culture

Art Exhibit Space

Bring beauty to the Library

Artists, community groups, and organizations are invited to submit their work (all mediums including photography) for consideration to be displayed at community libraries. Artwork provides educational and cultural enrichment, encourages lifelong learning, and connects communities. Display space is available without charge. 

Preference is given to artists who live or work in Calgary. Selected artists are given one-month showings.

Request art exhibit space

Central Library has four exhibit spaces:

exterior460x300

Exterior windows

  • Work can be displayed on easels and/or plinths behind glass or the artist may choose to create window art.
  • Visible from the west side of Central Library’s exterior.
  • The display space is made of four vertical windows, 17’6” x 9’7” x 3'8"

On Display! Platform, Level 1 

  • 33’ x 33’, 750 square feet of useable floor space
  • Ceiling height is more than 20’
  • Best suited for 3-D sculptural works on plinths, freestanding installations and large-scale sculpture and/or exhibitions on moveable walls. Each wall panel is 38.6” x 97”.
  • Central Library has two sets of six-wall panels available:
    • two 16” x 36” x 16"
    • two 18” x 36” x  18"
    • one 41” x 40” x  20"
  • The plinths are two sets of five white plinths: four white plinths at 20" x 30” x 20” and one white plinth at 24” x 42” x 48”
  • Each plinth will have an acrylic vitrine on top, secured from movement, but not locked.  

Jocelyn Louise Anderson Children's Library, Level 2

  • Priority given to children’s illustrators, student/school art exhibits and children’s art
  • Artwork must appeal to children (ages three to 12) and/or designed for a family audience specifically
  • 2-D work only on cable/clip system hanging from a white picture rail, spanning 15’ 
childrens460x300
calgarystory460x450

Calgary's Story, presented by Walt & Irene DeBoni, Level 4

  • Priority given to artwork/photography and artifacts that reference historical or contemporary Calgary, Calgary communities and/or the people of the area, past or present.
  • Priority given to exhibition of Indigenous artists or arts organizations during Aboriginal Awareness Week (May) and National Indigenous History Month (June)
  • 2-D work on walls on cable/clip system hanging from a white picture rail, spanning 15’
  • 3-D opportunities in free standing plinths. The plinths are two sets of five white plinths:
    • two 16” x 36” x  16"; two 18”x 36” x 18" and one 41” x 40” x 20"
    • four white plinths at 20” x30” x 20” and one white plinth at 24”x 42” x 48”
  • Each plinth will have an acrylic vitrine on top, secured from movement, but not locked.