The exhibition, which will be on view June 21 through Oct. 15, traces the history of the Public Theater, which is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary. A Community of Artists spotlights the thousands of artists who have been part of the landmark Off-Broadway theatre as well as the numerous works that have been presented at the theatre since its inception.

The exhibition will showcase both the personal papers of Public Theater founder Joe Papp and the records of the New York Shakespeare Festival. Those viewing the exhibit can expect to see Papp's directorial notes, manifestos and correspondence with playwrights and artists; photographs and posters of the many Public Theater productions; Ming Cho Lee's set models for such productions as Electra, Love's Labors Lost and Measure for Measure; Patricia McGourty's costume designs for The Taming of the Shrew, which starred Raul Julia and Meryl Streep; and Ed Kleban's notes for songs from A Chorus Line.

Jacqueline Davis, the Executive Director of The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, said in a statement, "The Public Theater has helped shape the city's culture and shares a vision of democratic access with The New York Public Library. We are proud to maintain its history in our collections and to provide a view of its remarkable contributions and accomplishments over the last fifty years through this exhibition."

A Community of Artists will be presented in the Donald and Mary Oenslager Gallery of The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center. The Library is located at 40 Lincoln Center Plaza. Admission is free.

Exhibition hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, noon-6 PM; Thursday, noon-8 PM. For more information call (212) 870-1630 or visit www.nypl.org.