The Public Collection: A new public art and literacy project

Public Collection

This August eight unique artist created libraries will grace the streets of Indianapolis. Under the moniker of The Public Collection these amazing micro libraries will be spread over the city and offer free books courtesy of the Indianapolis Public Library.

The Public Collection is a blend of art and literacy.  The goal is to “increase access to books through the use of functional pieces of art in familiar settings. The initiatives are to improve literacy, foster a deeper appreciation of the arts, and raise awareness for educational justice in the community.”

Tom Torluemke, model for “Cool Books, Food for Thought” (2015)

The Public Collection was developed by artist Rachel M. Simon, with support from the Herbert Simon Family Foundation. As Simon tells Hyperallergic “Libraries are sacred institutions, and the value of physical books is timeless…The need and desire for physical books and libraries will always exist” and with The Public Collection Simon offers us a powerful one-two punch with a slate of appealing venues and greater access to books.

Katie Hudnall, model for “Untitled” (2015)

Kimberly McNeelan, model for “Evolution of Reading” (2015)

Brose-Partington_City-Market_ThePublicCollection-e1437081108728Brose Partington, model for “Untitled” (2015)

Borrowing Books from Sculptural Micro-Libraries | Hyperallergic

The Public Collection website