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Board approves Memorandum of Understanding with Metro Arts to expand art-lending program
Summary
The board voted to approve a memorandum of understanding with the Metro Nashville Arts Commission to continue and expand the library's Art Lending Library program, which loans local artists' works to patrons; staff reported 100% checkout of some collections and low rates of artwork damage.
The Nashville Public Library Board approved a memorandum of understanding with the Metro Nashville Arts Commission to formalize roles in operating the Art Lending Library, expanding access to locally produced artworks at branch locations.
The MOU matters because it establishes responsibilities for purchasing, framing, installation and maintenance of loaned works while the library handles daily circulation and condition reporting; the program aims to increase public access to local artists and to integrate art into branches systemwide.
Anne Leslie Owens, Metro Nashville Arts Commission, explained the program's history and scope and said the project started in 2021 at Madison and Southeast with 60 artworks and expanded in 2024 by 53 pieces. "These are all works by local artists, which is very important to us to support local artists, and to expose library patrons to the work of local artists," Owens said. Jessica Piper, regional manager at Madison, told the board that 100% of the collection has checked out in the past year and that damage to artworks has been rare and limited to frames or backing in a few instances.
Under the MOU, Metro Arts will purchase, frame, install and handle major maintenance or reframing; library staff will handle circulation, fill out condition reports upon receipt and share patron surveys. Board members moved and seconded the MOU; the motion carried without recorded opposition.
No changes to checkout length were made; Jessica Piper said artworks circulate for 90 days and may be renewed in theory but are often subject to waitlists.
The board approved the MOU by voice vote during the meeting.
