San Francisco Public Library Exhibitions offer an entry to the arts through displays, installations and artistic programming that highlight the Bay Area’s diverse artistic communities and the library’s special collections. By offering no-barrier access to the arts, SFPL helps to create and sustain a healthy arts ecosystem for intergenerational audiences. Through homegrown exhibitions, exhibition programs, artist engagements and site-specific installations at the Main and Branches, we strive to ensure the arts are accessible to all and to make SFPL an artful destination.
By facilitating artistic experiences onsite, San Francisco Public Library provides a platform for sharing stories, ideas and knowledge that shape the cultural fabric of our vibrant city.
Exhibitions are typically planned 2-3 years in advance to allow for adequate planning, contracting, curation and publicizing. Proposals are reviewed twice a year and those that are clear, specific and closely aligned with the Library's Strategic Priorities are considered for installation. The 2026 exhibition calendar is full, and we are currently taking proposals for 2027 and beyond.
Submit an exhibition proposal to San Francisco Public Library. Read these FAQs to get started
Q: What is this proposal form for?
A: This form is a way to propose an exhibition to be displayed at the Library in the Skylight Gallery or one of our Affinity Centers. If you are an SFPL staff member working on a display in one of our smaller display areas, Affinity Centers or Library Branches we encourage you to use a shortened version of this proposal form, located on LibHub. If this format does not work for you to submit your idea, the proposal is available on paper and can be picked up at the Main Library or sent in the mail. You can also contact us by email at exhibitionsteam@sfpl.org.
Please take a moment to review our Exhibition Guidelines and Exhibitions Policy before you start your proposal. Both the Guidelines and Policies must be reviewed to be eligible for an exhibition.
Q: Who should fill out this proposal form?
A: Anyone! Members of the public, community groups, organizations, educators, curators, historians or artists - all are welcome. However, if you are an SFPL staff member seeking to display in an Affinity Centers or Library Branch we encourage you to use a shortened version of this proposal form, located on LibHub. If you have an idea, we are eager to hear it. SFPL encourages exhibition proposals that:
- Center stories not usually told.
- Highlight the 9 Bay Area counties.
- Reflect the diversity of the Bay Area.
- Connect to SFPL collections to showcase the library's rich archive of ephemera, photos and print material.
- Address topical and social issues that are relevant to our region.
Q: What information do I need to have prepared to complete this proposal form?
A: This proposal form contains several key sections where you will be asked to share as much information about your idea with us as you can. The sections are:
- Exhibition Description
- Exhibition Outline
- Object Checklist
- Physical Details of the Exhibition
- Proposed Dates/Timing
- Exhibition History
- Proposed Public Programs
- Exhibition Costs
- Security & Insurance
- Publicity
Q: What if I cannot provide some of the information requested or if it is not applicable to my situation?
A: If you are unable to answer a question or do not have the information at this time, you are welcome to leave it blank. If it is a required question, you can record the reason this information is unknown. We still encourage you to submit a proposal and can work with you to make sure we have enough information to proceed.
Q: What happens to my files and data once I submit this proposal?
A: Your files and proposal will be made available to staff in our Office of Exhibitions & Programming and potentially other staff at SFPL on a case-by-case basis. Your information will not be distributed to outside parties without your permission.
Q: What is the next step in your process?
A: At the end of this form you will be prompted to submit your additional files to us by email. Your proposal will be reviewed by the Exhibitions Team, and we will contact you following its review. Exhibitions in our larger galleries are typically planned 2-3 years in advance to allow for adequate planning, contracting, curation and publicizing. Proposals are reviewed twice a year, and those proposals most closely aligned with SFPL Strategic Priorities are considered for installation. Please note, the 2026 exhibition calendar is full, and we are currently taking proposals for 2027 and beyond.
Ready to go?