The Metro Nashville Arts Commission (Metro Arts) is set to celebrate the expansion of its Lending Library Collection by unveiling fifty-three new artworks at the Mezzanine Gallery at the Main Branch of the Nashville Public Library (NPL) on July 18th from 5:30 – 8:00pm.
The Lending Library, a collaboration between Metro Arts and NPL, was initiated in 2020 to provide immediate financial support to local artists and introduce a unique way for the Nashville community to engage with their work. The program was a response to the challenges faced by Nashville artists following the March 3, 2020 tornado and the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, Metro Arts purchased sixty works of visual art from local artists and launched the Lending Library, allowing Nashville library cardholders to check out artworks for three-month periods. Initially, thirty artworks were housed at the Madison Branch Library and thirty at the Southeast Branch Library.
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Since its launch, hundreds of library patrons have borrowed these artworks, with many pieces often having waitlists. Most of the Lending Library artworks are displayed in patrons’ homes rather than in the library.
This year, Metro Arts is expanding the Lending Library Collection by purchasing fifty-three new artworks from Davidson County artists. These new pieces will be distributed across five additional NPL branches: Donelson, Green Hills, Old Hickory, Hermitage, and East. Dr. Paulette Coleman, Metro Arts Interim Executive Director, expressed enthusiasm about the expansion, stating, “The tremendous success of the Lending Library speaks to the desire of Nashvillians to experience art in the many places they live and work. We are excited to see this program reach even more of our community with the expansion of the collection to five new branches because all Nashvillians deserve access to a vibrant creative life.”
The newly acquired artworks will be displayed for public viewing at the Mezzanine Gallery of the Main Branch, located at 615 Church St, from July 11th until August 16th. The public is invited to attend the opening reception on July 18th from 5:30-8:00pm.
This project is funded through Metro Nashville’s Percent for Public Art Fund, established in 2000 under Mayor Bill Purcell. This fund allocates one percent of funding for designated projects in the Metro Capital Improvements Budget toward the commission of artworks in the Metro Public Art Collection.
About Metro Arts: Nashville Office of Arts + Culture
Metro Arts’ mission is to foster a vibrant and equitable community through the arts. They strive to ensure that all Nashvillians have access to a creative life, supporting this goal through community investments, artist and organizational training, public art, and direct programs that engage residents in various forms of arts and culture. More information about Metro Nashville’s public art collection can be found online. Additionally, Metro Arts’ cultural equity statement is available to read here.
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