Hesburgh Library Art Policy
Mission Statement
It is the intent of the Hesburgh Libraries to provide an aesthetically pleasing environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors that is conducive to the pursuit of intellectual study and cultural enrichment. The Word of Life mural on the Hesburgh Library building was designed in part "to emphasize the grandeur, complexity and timelessness of man's search for the truth," and the Libraries' mission is to connect people to knowledge across time and space. The incorporation of art into this mission also accords with Pope Francis' encouragement to artists "to promote a culture of encounter, of building bridges between people, between populations, in a world in which many walls are still raised out of fear of others."
To that end, the Hesburgh Libraries welcomes opportunities to display art within the public areas in Hesburgh Library, the University's main library.
This art policy covers gifts of art to the Libraries or art purchased for the Libraries by donors or otherwise, as well as art currently on display in the Libraries. Art accessioned as part of the Libraries' collections and not intended for public display is not covered by this policy.
Art Advisory Committee
The Hesburgh Library Art Advisory Committee is composed of faculty, staff, and students from across campus, appointed by the University Librarian. The Advisory Committee is primarily charged with developing and maintaining policies regarding visual artworks for display in the Library and to advise on specific offers or acquisitions of artwork for the Library.
Queries about possible donations or the Hesburgh Library Art Policy should be directed to the Chair, Hesburgh Library Art Advisory Committee. Proposals for acquisition consideration should be directed to the University Librarian or the Chair, Hesburgh Library Art Advisory Committee, in writing via mail.
Acceptance of Art Guidelines
Display of public art is an important part of providing welcoming and amenable facilities and is an enriching aspect of the Libraries' service, educational, and outreach programs.
The decision to accept artwork for display in the Libraries rests entirely with the Libraries. Upon acceptance, the Libraries will make all decisions regarding placement, length of time for the display, publicity, and display removal.
When accepting a work of art, the Hesburgh Libraries reserves the right to:
- Exhibit any donated object in a manner that is consistent with Hesburgh Libraries' policies, needs, and available space. Acceptance of a work of art does not imply that it will be on permanent public display.
- Relocate or remove artwork for any reason it deems necessary.
Gifts of Artwork
The Hesburgh Libraries will consider for acceptance as gifts such pieces of fine art as paintings, sculpture, wall hangings, photographs, and other original works in various media. Gifts of works of art will be accepted without limitations or conditions placed on the Libraries by the donor or artist unless those limitations or conditions are approved by the Hesburgh Library Art Advisory Committee or the University Librarian.
Title to all gifts of art will pass to the Hesburgh Libraries. Gifts to the Libraries remain outright and unrestricted donations to be used according to the sole discretion of the Libraries. Such artwork will be used to the best interest of the Libraries.
Donors who wish to receive a tax credit are responsible for getting an appraisal. The Hesburgh Libraries cannot provide value estimates on gift material. University Development, through the Libraries' Development Liaison, will determine the appropriate process of receipt and acknowledgment for gifts of art. The documentation will identify and acknowledge the gift without appraising the work of art.
Selection Criteria for Artworks
Overall, the Hesburgh Libraries has limited space for the display of art, and thereofre it is important to consider very carefully the acceptance of a piece of art for or as a gift.
Style and Nature: The art should be appropriate in scale, material, form and content for the library environment. In addition, it should reflect the intellectual pursuit of knowledge, cultural enrichment, and inclusive values associated with the University's Catholic identity.
Quality and Elements of Design: Public art may have other functions in addition to aesthetic enjoyment. For example, a work of art may establish a focal point, modify or enhance a space, or identify a building function. As far as possible, the work of art should complement and enhance the building and its purpose. The reputation of the artist may be a factor in the decision.
Durability: Works of art will be evaluated for durability, taking the library environment and the condition of the piece into consideration. Extremely fragile items or those that are potential targets for vandalism are not appropriate for the library setting.
Installation/Maintenance Costs: When selecting a work of art to purchase or determining if a gift may be accepted, the Libraries will take into consideration any security issues, the cost of installation, and the cost of maintaining the work over its lifetime. Start-up and ongoing costs for cleaning and mounting will also be considered.
Public Liability: Works will not be selected or accepted that create unsafe conditions or contain other factors that may bear on public liability.
Conditions of Acceptance: In the case of gifts or donations, the donor's conditions may affect whether or not the gift will be accepted.
Libraries Discretion: The Libraries, in its sole discretion, will determine whether to review and accept or reject any gift or proposed artwork.
Questions about this policy should be referred to the Chair, Hesburgh Library Art Advisory Committee.
Responsibility for revising this policy rests with the Chair, Hesburgh Library Art Advisory Committee and the Hesburgh Library Art Advisory Committee.
Last reviewed and updated: January 6, 2020