150 Artists x 150 Years

150 Artists x 150 Years

Practical info for participating artists:

Artwork Size:

Due to the variety of display spaces in all of the libraries and the sheer number of artworks, we're limiting the total width (including frame) of all artworks to 24 inches across. There's no limit to the height, but some spaces are limited, so please let us know if you're thinking of making anything over 2-3 feet tall so we know we can accommodate it.

Installing: 

All wall pieces should be ready to hang. They don't need to be framed, but they should include all essential hardware (hooks, wires, magnets, etc.) to hang on a hook on the wall. If you'd like a frame(s), the Bubbler has various sizes available to borrow for this exhibition only. Contact us if you'd like to know more about what we have available.

Medium:

For any 3D, video, sound, performance, or off-the-wall pieces, please contact us as you plan your piece about installation requirements (ie. pedestals, technology, scheduling). Artists must supply their own screens/equipment if showing video work, and sound works must be compatible with headphones. Just let us know if you have any questions while you're ideating!

Content:

We always remind exhibiting artists that many members of the public, including children and families, use Madison Public Library. Please keep this in mind as you create your piece, and if you have any content questions just loop us in as you are planning your work. (Check out MPL's Art Policy.)

Timeline (as of September 23):

  • If you haven't yet, visit this page to find your assigned year and a selection of words to choose from. Pick one word as inspiration for a piece and its title. You can of course include other words in your piece if you want, but you do need to select one main word. Also, please let me know if you notice any typos or misrepresentations of your name.

  • Between now and mid-October: Create your piece!

  • Artwork dropoff times:
    Sunday 10/12 — 2 to 5 p.m. 
    Monday 10/13 — 2 to 6 p.m. 
    Tuesday 10/14 — 2 to 6 p.m. 
    Wednesday 10/15 — 2 to 6 p.m. 
    Thursday 10/16 — 2 to 6 p.m. 
    Friday Oct 17 — 2 to 6 p.m.

    (Saturday 10/18 and Sunday 10/19, 3rd Floor Central Library is closed for maintenance; no dropoffs.)

  • If sending your work, address all parcels to: 

                         Madison Public Library
Attn: Trent Miller, the Bubbler Office
201 W. Mifflin St.
Madison, WI 53703

  • October 30 to November 14: Exhibitions are installed in the libraries by Bubbler Team.

  • The exhibition will run from November 15, 2025, to February 28, 2026, in seven libraries, with two big events at Central Library on both December 5 or 6. More information about the opening events soon.

Additional resources:

Head back to the main 150 x 150 project page.

Browse the artist/year/word list.

Check out the library’s events and festivities marking the library’s 150th year in 2025.

Culminating a year-long celebration marking the 150th Anniversary of Madison Public Library, the 150x150 art exhibition is made possible with support from Beyond the Page, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Madison Community Foundation.