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FLEET LIBRARY | Research Guides

Rhode Island School of Design

Exhibits: Propose an Exhibit

EXHIBITS AT Fleet Library at RISD

Fleet Library at RISD coordinates an annual calendar of exhibits. These exhibits serve to:

 

  • Create critical points of access to Archives, Special Collections, and Library collections

  • Encourage use of library resources

  • Inspire further investigation, research, or making based on collections or exhibit topics

  • Illustrate the relevance of historical materials to contemporary ideas and concerns

  • Demonstrate the responsiveness of the library as an active repository

  • Align with community-wide initiatives

  • Provide examples of the power of narratives told through collection items

OVERVIEW

WHAT — Exhibits at the Fleet Library at RISD may contain Archives and Special Collections materials, select circulating collection items, reproductions, student artwork, or external loans. Exhibits muse relate to RISD, pertain to RISD's history, support RISD's curriculum, can be properly displayed, in conversation with our collection materials, relates to RISD's SEI initiatives.

WHERE — The Fleet Library at RISD features 2 main exhibit spaces. The first floor space includes 8 vitrines of varying orientations and dimensions. The second floor space includes one large wall case. Proposals for interventions in other spaces of the library or partnerships with galleries across campus or across Providence are considered.

 

WHO — The Fleet Library at RISD Exhibits Committee manages the calendar and coordination of the exhibit program, and members curate exhibits throughout the year. We invite guest curators to participate in the exhibit program, and we accept topic suggestions from the community. Guest curators come from our broad community, including (but not limited to):

  • RISD students, staff, faculty, and alumni
  • VIsiting artists
  • Constituents from our peer organizations

HOW — Please complete the online exhibit proposal form for consideration.

 

If you are interested in curating a project at the library, please ensure that your proposal is aligned with the guidelines outlined here and within the described proposal process, and that your request takes into account the required timeline. A member of the Exhibits Committee will contact you upon receipt of your proposal.