What is ReImagining Works?

ReImagining Works is a partnership between the Dayton Metro Library and The Dayton Art Institute, opens a new window to acquire original artwork for each of the Dayton Metro Library’s newly built or renovated branches. Giving creativity a central place in the “re-imagining” of the traditional role of the library, the Library offered regional artists the opportunity to create new work inspired by an artwork held in the permanent collection of The Dayton Art Institute. Bringing two of Dayton’s iconic institutions together, both places of discovery, inspiration and knowledge, ReImagining Works paid homage to artistic traditions of the past while creating art for the future.

Artwork from The Dayton Art Institute, opens a new window’s permanent collection was selected drawing on each location’s history, geography, culture, and architecture. These artworks were displayed on the library’s website as well as in the designated library and patrons voted for their favorite. Two chosen artworks were then put forward in a Request for Proposals (RFP) as inspiration pieces for the creation of new art to be displayed in designated spaces in the newly designed library. Artists responded with their own unique vision of artwork related in some way to one or both of the inspiration artworks. Proposals were reviewed by the Library Art Committee and evaluated based on artistic merit, as well as connection to the inspiration piece(s) and connection to the site.