Hanging space in some of the council’s busiest libraries is up for grabs as part of the initiative to celebrate local artists and encourage new art projects.

Council’s Launchpad program provides free exhibition space at four of its libraries: Belmont, Toronto, Charlestown and Swansea, which have a combined annual visitation of more than 425,000 people.

Council’s cultural services manager Jacqui Hemsley said applications were now open for artists or art collectives to use the spaces to show their work.

“Launchpad aims to promote exhibitions of local relevance, artistic excellence and innovation,” Ms Hemsley said.

Making news:

“Exhibiting in an unconventional setting, beyond the walls of a traditional art gallery, encourages wider community participation in the arts.”

Retired engineer Poul Laegdsgaard is one of the artists whose works are currently on exhibition at Toronto as part of the Launchpad program.

Mr Laegdsgaard said the space was a welcome outlet to show and sell his oil-on-canvas landscapes.

“I really enjoy seeing it hanging there,” he said.

Ms Hemsley said successful Launchpad applicants would have their work promoted and supported through council’s communications and social media channels.

Exhibitions could last up to 12 weeks.

“We’re looking forward to presenting some thought-provoking and diverse exhibitions in 2019 that showcase the work of emerging artists across all mediums,” Ms Hemsley said.

Belmont Library’s exhibition space features 27m of hanging space, Toronto Library offers 22m and Charlestown and Swansea both have 15m.

Applications for 2019 exhibitions close on December 12.

For more information go to lakemac.com.au/launchpad.

One million items borrowed at Lake Mac Libraries in 12 months

Record state spending on public libraries to benefit local branches