The Public Library of Brookline Artist-in-Residence Program

The Public Library of Brookline Artist-in-Residence program is a pilot program, generously supported by the Friends of the Brookline Library, that aims to explore the role that libraries can play in the artistic process. We are inviting one visual artist or artist group to create artwork that will engage with the library, its collections, and its patrons while utilizing the reference librarians as research aids. Our vision for the program is to create a vibrant new space for artmaking in Brookline, to challenge outdated notions of what a public library is today, and to reveal the institution’s value as a research partner for creative work.

The program invites artists from the New England area to apply with a research-intensive project that will engage The Public Library of Brookline, its collection, and its patrons. We seek artists with an extroverted art practice and an affinity for people to create tangible interventions, activated spaces, new ways to approach the library’s collection or archives, etc. The artist/s will be paired with a Library Liaison from the reference staff to act as a conduit between the artist/s and the library’s staff and collections. In addition, the Liaison, together with the broader reference staff, will offer research aid to the artist/s throughout the residency.

Artist receives:
- 5-month residency
- Free studio space
- $4000 stipend
- Research support from the reference staff of the Brookline Library
- Access to the Brookline Library’s collections and archives

Please see our website for more details