The recently opened Edgar Shannon Library is busy and bustling, and the space is also enlivened by new art throughout the building. The art is part of the Art in Library Spaces (AiLS) initiative, designed to create inclusive artistic spaces for the University and Charlottesville communities and strengthen the UVA Library’s presence as a place of belonging for all. AiLS is currently focused on Shannon Library but will bring art into all the buildings in the University Library system. The initiative is steered by the AiLS Standing Committee, co-chaired by Library Associate Dean for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility Catalina Piatt-Esguerra and Curator of Material Culture in the Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library Meg Kennedy, and made up not only of Library staff but also members of the arts community at UVA and in the surrounding area.
Collaboration with institutional and community partners is part of the AiLS Committee charge, and is key to the success of the project, says co-chair Kennedy. “Featuring inclusive and accessible art from a diversity of voices adds nuance and meaning to our spaces and offers opportunities for belonging,” says Kennedy. “These new exhibitions and installations will create opportunities for direct and impactful collaboration between the Library and the University and Charlottesville communities.” Partnerships in place or planned include projects with UVA Athletics, the School of Architecture, UVA Arts, and the Karsh Institute of Democracy.
For a look at the art already in the building, enjoy the photos below!