Creativity

We champion creatives and value their unique contributions to the community.

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The arts are fundamental to nourishing our collective humanity by providing avenues for the expression of personal and shared experiences. Music, visual art, dance, theater, spoken word, and design have a transformative impact on individuals of all ages in Prince George’s County, cultivating community and encouraging creative expression in daily life. Access to interactive arts programs, live performances, and makerspaces —like the D.R.E.A.M. Lab—all contribute to fostering curiosity, collaboration, and discovery among youth and lifelong learners. These skills improve academic achievement and are highly valued by employers.

PGCMLS will expand its commitment to serving and supporting the County's vibrant artistic community by reaffirming its role as an essential and valued resource for creators. The Library will provide open access to the spaces, tools, and networking opportunities that support established and aspiring artists as they advance their skills and share their passions with the public and consumers. PGCMLS will also create meaningful opportunities for customers to interact with the vibrant array of painters, poets, musicians, dancers, actors, writers, and designers of the region.

By providing resources and platforms for creators and their work, PGCMLS will become a leader in the local creative economy through collaborations with arts organizations, resident artists, and educational institutions. The arts will be more accessible to our community, the vibrancy of the County will be enhanced, the customer experience will be enriched, and moments for creative self-discovery will be central to the PGCMLS experience.

"Artists and creatives are essential members of our local, national, and global communities. The goal of PGCMLS creative programs is to ensure that PGCMLS does its part to empower artists by providing opportunities for professional development, while also encouraging community engagement and contributions."

- Francesca Whaley
PGCMLS Team Member

Children creating electric vehicles at a FutureMakers program at the Greenbelt Branch

Teens performing at the "Libraries Rock!" block party at the Hyattsville Branch

Children painting at the "Libraries Rock!" block party at the Hyattsville Branch

In The Near Future

TEEN ART PROGRAM

The Teen Artist Amplified Program will guide high school seniors as they prepare for careers in creative fields by providing access to professional artistic training, while encouraging career exploration and self-reflection, and boosting creative confidence.
HYATTSVILLE ART STUDIO

The new Hyattsville Branch will feature an art studio to support creatives and host an artist in residence.
LOCAL AUTHOR EXPO & OPEN MIC SERIES

The annual local author expo, which was adapted for the virtual environment in 2020, will allow local writers to promote their work, network with other artists, and engage with the community. A new open mic series, featuring distinguished poets, launched in summer 2020 and will continue throughout 2021-2024.
PERFORMING ARTS RESIDENCIES

PGCMLS will collaborate with local arts organizations to host residencies for performers in Prince George's County to advance their careers and present their work, contributing to the creative economy.
Art gallery spaces

Curated gallery spaces in selected libraries will promote artists' works throughout the County.