Brisbane Square Library is Brisbane City Council’s flagship library located in the CBD (266 George Street).
The library regularly hosts exhibitions and displays showcasing the work of local artists and creatives, using wall space on Levels 1 and 2 as well as glass display cabinets. Examples of previous displays include paintings, illustrations, documentary/historical photographs, architectural images, craft, jewellery, fashion/textiles, and so on. Each exhibition or display is usually presented for 2-3 months.
If you would like to be considered for a future exhibition or display at the library, you are invited to submit a short expression of interest by email, as outlined below. The library will regularly review these expressions of interest and contact you to discuss further if a space becomes available in the program.
Content and presentation guidelines
The library enjoys hosting a wide variety of exhibitions and displays from professional, emerging and community artists and creatives. As a general guide, we are seeking exhibitions and displays that:
- showcase the work of local individuals and groups in Brisbane
- have a recreational, learning, cultural or local community focus
- are high quality in terms of execution and presentation
- are suitable for a general public audience and have wide appeal
- meet safety requirements and are ‘child safe’
Further guidelines about exhibition content and presentation can be found in Appendix 1.
Display spaces
Display spaces available in Brisbane Square Library include:
- Level 2 wall space – ideal for hanging framed, stretched or mounted art works such as paintings, photographs, illustrations. Two wall spaces are available which can be occupied by a single exhibition or by two separate exhibitions. A hanging system is in place including wires and moveable hooks.
- Level 1 wall space in the City Zoo young people’s area – ideal for hanging framed, stretched or mounted art works such as paintings, photographs, illustrations. Note the works displayed in this area must be created by people aged 25 years or under. A hanging system is in place including wires and moveable hooks.
- Display cabinets on Level 1 or 2 – glass display cabinets ideal for displaying three-dimensional objects. A number of cabinets can be used for the one display, depending on scale. Some display props are also available.
- Other options – the library will consider other methods of display if the exhibitor can provide the required equipment and a suitable space can be found within the library – e.g. plinth for sculptural work, easels for paintings/photographs, mannequins for fashion displays.
See Appendix 2 including photos and dimensions for more information about each of the above options. You are also welcome to visit the library during opening hours if you wish to view these spaces before submitting your expression of interest.
Roles and responsibilities
The library provides:
- Free space for exhibitors to display their work
- Liaison with exhibitors to help arrange logistics within the library
- Hanging system /equipment for wall space; display cabinets and some display props
- Promotion of the exhibition or display through the library’s channels (please note the library does not hold launches for its exhibitions)
- Insurance for items on display (see Appendix 1 for further information)
Exhibitors are responsible for:
- All costs associated with producing the works for display, including framing if applicable
- Planning the exhibition/display, including layout
- Producing signage to accompany the exhibition/display (e.g. curatorial text, display labels etc.)
- Transportation of work to the library (car parking can be arranged in the library basement)
- Hanging the works on walls or arranging the cabinet display (some tools are provided by the library to assist)
- Maintaining the exhibition/display as required throughout the display period
- Promotion of the exhibition/display through their own channels and networks
- Collecting and transporting the works at the end of the display period
Please note the library cannot act as a selling agent for exhibitors, and sale prices for works cannot be advertised. However, the library is able to provide exhibitors’ business cards or contact details to customers who enquire about works.
When the exhibition or display is installed, the exhibitor is asked to complete a ‘Display Request Form’ which itemises the value of works included. The exhibitor also needs to sign the same form when they collect the works at the end of the display period. A copy of the form is at Appendix 3.
How to express interest
If you would like to be considered for a future exhibition or display at Brisbane Square Library, please send an email to Dani Kavanagh, Librarian – Programs, at marcelle.collins@brisbane.qld.
Your email should briefly address the following:
- Working title of exhibition/display
- Content of exhibition/display – brief background information about how exhibition/display has come about and key people/groups involved, overview of key themes, nature of the works, expected number of works, approximate dimensions of works – please attach sample images
- Presentation – library space you are interested in for your exhibition/display (e.g. Level 1 walls, either or both of Level 2 walls, number of display cabinets), how the works will be presented (e.g. framed, mounted, etc.)
- Preferred months/year of display
- Information about you – e.g. a brief summary of your creative or artistic practice, links to previous projects if available, your contact details – you are welcome to attach a CV if this assists in outlining your experience
The library will regularly review these expressions of interest and contact you to discuss further if a space becomes available in the program. Please note display spaces are in high demand so the library is generally planning its program several months in advance.
Further information
If you have any questions, please contact Dani Kavanagh,  Librarian – Programs, at marcelle.collins@brisbane.qld.
