The Living Collection
Art that lives
in the world.
A rotating exhibition and patronage program placing works by contemporary artists working within progressive studios into homes, offices, hotels, and institutions across the country.
Each placement expands the museum beyond its walls.
Not sure where to start?
Answer a few questions about your space and taste. We'll match you with works from the collection — and tell you the story behind each one.
Available works
Karen May
May describes her work as a "memory tool" — using image and text to register people, places, and lived experience through accumulation and repetition. Her fiber works, collages, and works on paper are held in private collections across the United States.
View Karen's works at NIAD →Visit NIAD Art Center →
A collection for every space.
From private homes to hotel lobbies — each path has its own page with tailored options.
Collectors & Homes
Patrons live with the work over time — building relationships with artists, studios, and the collection itself.
Browse for home →Business & Hospitality
Spaces become active parts of the distributed museum network through rotating placements and institutional participation.
Business inquiry →Institutional Partners
Exhibition partnerships and collection loans. Open Universe provides the infrastructure and the artists.
Partner with us →Community Placements
Exhibition loans to community spaces. Open Universe retains the work and manages every placement.
Learn about loans →Live with extraordinary art.
Support the artists directly.
Help build the museum this field has never had.