Announcing the 2025 Excellence Award Winner at TCDL!

We are thrilled to announce that ART | library deco was honored with the Excellence in Digital Libraries Award at the Texas Conference on Digital Libraries (TCDL), which took place from May 20–22, 2025 at the Commons Conference Center in Austin, TX. This prestigious recognition celebrated the remarkable contributions of ART | library deco in the digital library landscape and its unwavering commitment to uplifting African American culture.

Founded in 2013 by the visionary Dr. kYmberly Keeton, ART | library deco (www.artlibrarydeco.space) is a pioneering digital platform that curates, preserves, and elevates African American culture through a rich collection of archives, art, literature, photography, and community memory. The library serves as a vital resource for individuals seeking to explore the depth and breadth of Black artistic expression and historical narratives.

💡 Key Initiatives of ART | library deco:

• Texas African American Community Archives Project (TAACAP): This initiative focuses on the preservation and accessibility of historical records and stories from Texas’s African American communities.
• Texas Black Artists Web Collective: A collaborative effort that highlights the work of Black artists across Texas, fostering connections and promoting their contributions to the art world.
• Hip Hop Lib Guide: An innovative resource that explores the cultural significance and impact of hip hop, providing educational tools and materials for enthusiasts and scholars alike.
• Canvases Digital Zine: A creative outlet that showcases contemporary Black voices through art and writing, fostering dialogue and connection within the community.
• In-House Archive of Black Creative and Historical Works: A growing collection that preserves the rich tapestry of Black history and creativity, ensuring that these stories are not forgotten.

As a leader in centering Black Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums (BGLAM), ART | library deco reshapes the future of digital librarianship. The organization is dedicated to ensuring that Black stories are told, remembered, and celebrated, paving the way for a more inclusive and representative digital landscape.

In exciting news, a physical space for ART | library deco is currently in development in Fort Worth, Texas, supported by the Friends of ART | library deco, a Texas-based nonprofit committed to advancing the library’s mission through fundraising, volunteerism, and advocacy.

❤ Congratulations to ART | library deco for their innovative leadership and impactful work in the community. This award is a testament to their dedication and the positive change they foster in the realm of digital libraries. We look forward to continuing to celebrate their achievements in preserving and promoting the richness of African American culture.