Seeing the Big (Art) Picture: Developing a Rotating Art Program in an Academic Health Sciences library

Abstract

Purpose/Objectives: Develop a rotating art exhibit program to turn an outdated, aesthetically unpleasing 1960s style building interior into a stimulating, thought-provoking, intellectually inspiring atmosphere for studying and learning. This space would foster community-building with the Academic Health Center and campus art community by showcasing student and faculty artwork and serving as an inspirational focal point on healing and the arts.<p>

Methods/Brief Program Description: In summer 2013, a working group was established to identify spaces for an art gallery in a traditional library building. The group consisted of staff from the Library as well as the University Libraries Art & Architecture librarian. Walk-a-rounds were conducted to inventory and photograph available “white spaces” and discuss each space’s suitability as an art gallery for the display of rotating art collections. Each potential space was evaluated on the degree of security (probability of theft or vandalism), accessibility to patrons, visibility of artwork, versatility of the space (wall art, three dimensional, digital) and the amount of facilities work needed to convert the space into one suitable for displaying art. Concurrently, art exhibit polices and application forms from other health sciences libraries were located and studied; other campus art galleries were visited for inspiration and networking potentials.