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The Library Exhibit Program reflects the activities, culture, ideas and scholarship of Duke University and displays it for the community to share and to explore.

In an effort to build the Library Exhibit Program and to encourage participation, we:

  • welcome guest and student curators
  • collaborate on exhibit ideas with campus departments and community organizations
  • display unique exhibits in a variety of spaces across campus
  • ensure our exhibits are free, handicap accessible and open to the public during library hours

I want to curate an exhibit in a library gallery. How do I get started?

If you are interested in the Photography Gallery, please read more on the Archive of Documentary Arts website, for most other galleries please fill out this proposal form. If you would rather discuss the idea first, feel free to email the Exhbition Coordinator Meg Brown at meg.brown@duke.edu (but take a look at the proposal first-because she'll probably want the answers to many of these questions as part of the discussion!)

Will you accept my proposal?

Our staff will consider your proposal while keeping in mind available space and how well the exhibit supports the mission of Duke University and Duke University Libraries. Please note that we schedule some exhibit galleries years in advance, and each gallery can only sustain 3 exhibitions per year; some future exhibitions are currently known while others are still in the proposal process.

Where can I expect to see my exhibit?

  • Not all open space in the library is open to exhibitors (there are safety issues in public spaces.)
  • Some gallery spaces have regulations concerning content, format and scheduling.
  • Some spaces hold library materials only, but some gallery spaces such as the Chappell Family Gallery, the Student Wall and the Campus Club Wall require neither the use of library materials nor library curators.

What kinds of resources does the library offer for an exhibit?

  • Free consultations with Exhibits Coordinator Meg Brown.
  • Varying levels of support for curators, depending on the gallery and available resources. For example, if your exhibit is in the Chappell Family Gallery, staff will assist you with exhibit preparation, graphic design, editing, printing and sometimes support for exhibit programming.

If you have a comment, a suggestion or further questions about an exhibit please email the Exhibits Coordinator Meg Brown at meg.brown@duke.edu or call (919) 681-2071.

Are you a student curator?

Duke students who have created works via courses, internships, student organizations and independent research can display their works on the Student Wall. Learn more.