Art libraries in France are revolutionizing how people access contemporary art by allowing visitors to borrow original artworks just like they would check out books from a regular library. The concept, which has been operating in France for 40 years, aims to democratize contemporary art and make it accessible to the general public at affordable costs.

The art library in Morlaix, located in the Finistère department of Brittany, exemplifies this innovative approach to art accessibility. Run by the association Les Moyens du Bord, the facility allows people to borrow prints, photographs, and other artworks for limited periods. Among their collection is "Insomnium," a 2016 silkscreen print by artist Elise Dartmour, which serves as an example of the contemporary works available for borrowing.

Elaine Le Floch, director of the Morlaix art library operated by Les Moyens du Bord association, explained the mission during a recent interview. The facility is part of a broader network of art libraries across France, with most French art libraries federated under an association called Adra. In the Finistère region alone, there are art libraries in both Morlaix and Brest, providing residents with multiple access points to contemporary art.

The borrowing system works similarly to traditional libraries, where visitors can check out prints, photographs, and other artistic works for specific time periods. This model removes financial barriers that often prevent people from experiencing original artworks in their homes. The democratic approach allows art enthusiasts and curious individuals alike to live with professional artworks temporarily, fostering a deeper appreciation for contemporary artistic expression.

These art libraries represent a growing movement in France to make contemporary art more accessible beyond traditional museum and gallery settings. By bringing art directly into people's homes through the borrowing system, these institutions are creating new relationships between the public and contemporary artistic works, potentially inspiring a new generation of art lovers and collectors.