Art Exhibit Space General FAQ

What policy governs Art Exhibit Space?: The Use of Library Space for Art Exhibits is the governing policy.

Can I put up/display my work without a contract?: No. Contracts need to be in place before the exhibit starts. The contract is made up of two parts. The contract and an inventory form. All works that are to be displayed must be pre-approved by TPL as part of the Art Exhibit Space program.

Can I display sculptures or multimedia works including the use of a television?: The Library is only able to accommodate works that are framed and can hang on the wall.

When can I hang my art?: You can hang your art on the first day of the month during open hours, excluding Sundays. Please check branch hours on our website.

When do I need to remove my art?: Your art will need to be removed by the last open day of the month, excluding Sundays. The following month’s Artist will want to hang their art on the first open day of the following month.

Does the Library provide grants or monetary compensation to displaying artists?: The Library offers the space to Artists free of charge. Toronto Public Library does not provide any grants or monetary compensation to the Artists.

Can I use a different hanging system?: No. Artists must use the system provided by Toronto Public Library.

Can I have a Launch Party?: If Artists would like to host a launch party, please see our Room Bookings page. TPL provides wall space for Artist exhibits only.

If I book a Launch Party, will TPL promote it?: TPL can post a flyer about the launch on the community board, however, we will not promote through any official TPL channels.

Can I put out my business card?: Yes. Artists are encouraged to have their contact information available to customers. Artists can also have “about me” information and a guest book close to the exhibit.

Can you help me process my sales?: No. All sales go directly through the Artist and the Buyer.

Is there an age requirement to apply?: No. We welcome all ages to apply. If a person is under the age of 18, their legal guardian will be responsible for signing the contract.

Can I display portraits or pictures of real people, including celebrities?: Toronto Public Library branches are municipal buildings and must abide by the laws of the Municipal Freedom of Information and the Protection of Privacy Act. This means that Artists need to provide a notice of collection to any person or likeness of a person displayed.; If you are a street photographer and have not provided the public with a notice of collection, you are unable to display their likeness in a municipal building.

Can I display the likeness of someone who is deceased?: The artist must provide a notice of collection to the estate, unless the individual has been deceased for 30 years or more. For more information, see the MFIPPA FAQ.

Can I display works that contain intellectual property, such as logos, images of TTC, images of cars with logo visible, book covers, literature, etc.?: No. The content of the artwork cannot infringe upon third party intellectual property rights regardless of intention to sell the works.

Can I display work created by Artificial Intelligence (AI)?: Artists must adhere to TPL’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy and incorporate the responsible and ethical use of AI tools in their dealings with TPL. This means that any AI generated or edited art would need to be labeled as such.

How will TPL help me promote my exhibit?: Art Exhibits are similar to branch programs and as such, are promoted on our website. We can also put a flyer in the branch. TPL promotes the branch Art Exhibits program but cannot promote individual Artists each month. Artists should promote themselves and can tag TPL in their socials however.

When will next year’s applications open?: Applications open mid-August and close at the end of September. The year runs from February through February of the following year.

Why did I not get my first choice branch for display?: Many of our branches are very popular and have limited availability. It is not possible for every person to be placed in the branch or month they have selected as their first choice.

Can I change my display month?: If the month you received does not work for you, you can contact Art Exhibits at artexhibits@tpl.ca to see if there is an alternative. You are not guaranteed the same location, month or accommodation request.

Can I display at Toronto Reference Library?: No. Toronto Reference Library is not included in the Art Exhibit spaces. The TD Gallery is an internally-curated gallery and does not host artists from this program.

Does TPL provide tools to assist with hanging the work?: TPL does not provide tools to the artist.

Do staff assist with my exhibit?: No. It is the Artist’s responsibility to mount and label their artwork.

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