FAQs

Capital City Art promotes and celebrates visual art through promotion of local art and artists, curation of community art and through events linked to EPL collections and exhibits. It comprises both physical gallery spaces in our branches, online displays through EPL.ca and by offering free classes for those who want to explore and learn more about the visual arts.

Yes, there are several locations with cases suitable for exhibition of three-dimensional works. Priority will be given to works demonstrating quality, originality, and consistency of style and form.

The Library may promote the exhibit on the Library website, in social media and other promotions. The Library may also archive the exhibit on the Library website.

Capital City Art seeks to engage with artists associated with the Greater Edmonton Area and the Enoch Cree Nation. These may be individuals or groups of artists. EPL also provides space for exhibits through our partnerships with not-for-profit arts groups, educational institutions and community organizations.

Artists are asked to fill out the Capital City Art Gallery Submission Form. Through the form you will include a description of the exhibit, provide an artist biography and sample images of your work. You may select one or two preferred branches for your exhibit and identify a preferred timeframe for the exhibit. To see details on Capital City Art Gallery spaces across EPL branches, click on “View Gallery Details.” After you submit your request, a staff member from the branch will contact you directly about your submission.

• Due to limited space, preference will be given to artists from the Greater Edmonton Area and Enoch Cree Nation who have not displayed recently in a CCA gallery space.
• Exhibits must be suitable for public spaces serving people of all ages and supporting a welcoming environment.
• Exhibits may be for individual artists or groups of artists.
• Artwork will be chosen for quality, originality, and consistency of style and form.
• Artwork should be ready for hanging/display.
• The branch leadership team shall determine if an exhibit is appropriate for display in the branch CCA Gallery Space and reserves the right to refuse any exhibit.
• CCA Gallery spaces endeavour to be responsive to the diverse cultural interest of the community and are aligned with EPL’s Mission, Values and Community-led Philosophy.
• CCA Gallery spaces may not be used for commercial or political purposes, for the solicitation of business, for profit, or for fundraising, other than fundraising that supports the Library.

Yes! You can view gallery details here or link to information from within the submission form.

• Each artist or group wishing to exhibit in a CCA Gallery needs to sign an Agreement to Exhibit contract.
• The artist is required to provide current contact information and is asked to in timely communication with EPL in order to ensure effective coordination for the exhibit.
• Artwork should not be in formats that are easily damaged or stolen, as the Library cannot provide security.
• Hanging works should be framed or otherwise suitably prepared for use with hanging systems available in or approved by the Library.
• The exhibiting individual or institution must agree to cover all costs related to display beyond the available infrastructure at each location.
• For liability reasons, artists must install their own artworks.
• For liability reasons, EPL is not able to store artworks before or after an exhibition.
• Artists must be prepared to set up and take down their exhibits within their allotted time slots.
• Artists are encouraged to provide insurance to cover loss or damage to their works. The Library is not responsible for loss or damage.
• No material, including advertisement, may be affixed to any part of the interior or exterior of the Library without prior approval.
• The artist understands that library gallery spaces are provided at no cost to the artist and that no payment is made to the artist for exhibition of their works.

Generally, exhibits are in place for no less than 1 month. The exhibit schedule will be discussed once the works have been accepted for exhibit.

Artists may provide a price list and their contact information which staff will maintain at the service desk. Prices will not be displayed with the art. EPL will not broker any sales, collect commission or hold on to artworks for potential buyers. Art works must remain in place for the entirety of the exhibition regardless of any private sale made.

EPL does not pay artists to exhibit their works.

Edmonton Public Library provides free exhibit space as a way to share and celebrate local art and artists.   Participation is voluntary and exhibits are temporary.  EPL provides a unique opportunity to showcase works in a spaces frequently visited by Edmontonians and visitors to our city. 

EPL is unable to fund any such activities. Promotional assistance may be provided through EPL’s website, social media and public service announcements.