The document discusses the Baright Public Library's decision to expand access to the arts through an artist-in-residence program. It explains that the library chose this approach to better serve the Ralston community's growing Latinx population and offer personal expression opportunities for all patrons. The process for securing an artist is then outlined, along with some initial programs offered - including a Dia de los Muertos celebration and music/writing workshops. Early results have included increased attendance, circulation of Spanish materials, and new partnerships providing additional arts programming.

1. EXPANDING ACCESS TO
THE ARTS THROUGH A
LIBRARY ARTIST-IN-
RESIDENCE
Amy Jo Ellefson
amyellefson@ralstonlibrary.org
Adult Programs—Baright Public Library
Ralston, Nebraska

2. *PRESENTATION PREVIEW*
*WHY SHOULD WE WORK TO EXPAND ACCESS TO THE ARTS?
*WHY DID THE BARIGHT LIBRARY CHOOSE AN ARTIST-IN-
RESIDENCE?
*WHAT WAS THE PROCESS TO SECURE AN ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE?
*PROGRAMS OFFERED/RESULTS SO FAR

3. WHY SHOULD WE
WORK TO EXPAND
ACCESS TO THE ARTS?

4. ALA interpretation
of Library Bill of
Rights
“Visual and performing arts can
transform understanding and
appreciation of the world in all its
cultural diversity. The American
Library Association affirms that
visual and performing arts can be
powerful components of library
collections and services. The arts play
a vital role in our ability to
communicate a broad spectrum of
ideas to all people. Developing an
understanding and appreciation of
visual and performing arts promotes
artistic literacy. Libraries should offer
opportunities for the community to
experience art.”

5. WHY DID THE BARIGHT
LIBRARY CHOOSE AN
ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE?

6. Changing community
needs and
unserved/underserved
populations
Ralston—A community of about
6,000 residents is landlocked inside
central Omaha.
Boundaries of the city are different
from the boundaries of the school
district.
The city includes a nearly 20%
Latinx population.
Library use skews heavily white
and older.
Wanted to offer personal
expression opportunities for ALL
patrons.

7. WHAT WAS THE
PROCESS TO SECURE AN
ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE?

8. ALL INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE AT
HTTPS://WWW.ARTSCOUNCIL.NEBRASKA.GOV/
ARTS-EDUCATION/GRANTS/
Artist agreement
Grant application
Meeting with artist
Scheduling
Payment
Program
Reporting

9. PROGRAMS AND
RESULTS SO FAR…

10. Programs offered and scheduled
Completed programs
◦ Scary storyteller at the city’s fall
festival
◦ Dia de los Muertos celebration
◦ Feature story in The Reader (not a
planned program, but a significant
side benefit)
◦ Music and writing workshops for
adults
Upcoming programs
◦ Music and writing workshops for
teens
◦ Storytime for pre-K
◦ Poetry workshops and readings for
all ages

11. Results & Future
• Increased attendance at events
following the fall festival
• Increased circulation of
Spanish-language collection
including requests for new
children’s, YA, and adult books
• Connections with arts
organizations resulting in free
tickets for patrons and new
adult/family programming
• New funding sources—
Thrivent Action Teams
• CAAP program upcoming

12. CONCLUSION &
REVIEW

13. QUESTIONS?