Exhibits at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library

The DC Public Library welcomes artists who wish to exhibit their works at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library. The following procedures and guidelines have been developed.

Exhibition Space

  1. An application must be completed and submitted to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library prior to the hanging of the exhibition. As part of the application, the exhibitor releases the library from responsibility for lost or damaged items.
  2. All works must be mounted firmly on the wall in a uniform manner. Although frames are desirable, they are not required, as long as the exhibition is attractive in appearance. We request that, except in unusual cases where a piece is very heavy, a single, medium sized nail be used for each piece (preferably no longer than a 1 ½” finished nail).
  3. Please do not draw in pencil, chalk or any other medium on the boards. While this may seem helpful to one hanging an exhibit, it defaces the boards for other exhibitors.
  4. In order to enhance the appearance of the exhibition, it is expected that the exhibitor will provide labels for each work on display. Typed or printed cards are usually used. These labels must be placed near the work described, with tacks or small nails, on the exhibition boards. Double-sided tape is not permitted on the brick.
  5. A pathway through the Gallery for the public must be kept clear at all times, even during the exhibition’s installation.
  6. Permission to install unusual structures, use nontraditional spaces or use/move exhibition cases must be obtained from the Exhibits and Programs Coordinator.
  7. In order to ensure maximum security in the galleries, it is requested that an exhibitor not change the position of works of art once hung, and that pieces are not substituted for each other, without informing library staff.
  8. For security reasons it is suggested that pieces smaller than 9” x 12” not be hung in the galleries, and, when removing works from the gallery, that all pieces be taken out at the same time.
  9. All exhibitions must be removed at the designated time, and all exhibitors are expected to remove all nails, hooks and labels from the walls when they leave.
  10. The exhibitor is responsible for procuring tattle tape (a security device) from library staff, and for placing it on the works to be exhibited.
  11. The library will not store works of art except under unusual circumstances. At these times permission must be obtained from library staff.

Receptions

  1. The library permits exhibitors to hold a reception in the gallery while their works are on view. The date for a reception must be coordinated with library staff well in advance of the dates of the exhibition.
  2. All refreshments are provided by the exhibitors. If using a caterer, all food, drinks and equipment must be brought into the library before 5 p.m., via the freight elevator off the loading dock, at the back of the building (on G Place). Any food delivered by caterers must be signed for by the exhibitors. The library will not assume any responsibility for deliveries of this nature.
  3. The library provides upon request, one or two tables and a trash can with a liner. There are no kitchen facilities.
  4. After the reception, the gallery must be cleaned of all debris and must be vacated no later than 15 minutes before the library’s closing time.
  5. It is permissible to play recorded music or provide live entertainment during a reception. Library staff should be informed and arrangements for use of audiovisual equipment should be made with the Audiovisual Division well in advance of the reception.
  6. The library is a public facility, and the general public is always welcome to attend all affairs. This includes receptions.

For further information, please contact:

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
901 G St. N.W.
Washington, DC 20001
Telephone 202-727-1222