1st Edition

Displaying Organisation How to Successfully Project Manage Your Exhibition

By Rhiannon Goddard Copyright 2023
    198 Pages
    by Facet Publishing

    198 Pages
    by Facet Publishing

    Displaying Organisation is a practical, step-by-step guide to planning and implementing exhibitions. Drawing on the author's in-depth experience of managing a wide range of exhibitions and installations, the book breaks down the process of exhibition creation into easy-to-read sections

    Split into distinct sections, Displaying Organisation covers not only key tasks, but also explores the skills and knowledge specific to the museum and heritage sector. Coverage includes:

    • defining and planning your project
    • setting up a project team, assigning roles and responsibilities
    • carrying out a formative evaluation and writing an interpretation plan
    • the foundation skills needed to be a successful project manager – budget, risk and programme management
    • advice and approaches on how to tackle common problems to ensure success.

    Featuring 'top tips' from industry leaders and professional as well as real-life examples and templates this book is a must-read for new and experienced museum and exhibition professionals, as well as students studying to enter the heritage sector.

    Introduction A note on terminology Stages of an exhibition project What is a project manager?

    PART 1: DEFINING YOUR PROJECT

    Chapter 1: Getting the Vision Right Introduction The creative process: coming up with the right idea Carrying out consultation Testing your ideas on your audience Refine your ideas Set your goals and objectives Key dates Finishing the definition stage Let's summarise

    PART 2: PLANNING THE PROJECT

    Chapter 2: Setting Up the Project Introduction Finance Major risks Setting up your programme The basis of an exhibition programme or timeline Milestones Roles and responsibilities RACI Decision register The communication plan Sustainability Let's summarise

    Chapter 3: Interpretation Planning Introduction What is interpretation? The Interpretation interpretation plan The Double Diamond Heading Steps for putting together a plan Next steps Let's summarise Top Tips by Rebecca Richards, director of content and interpretation, Cultural Innovations Further reading on Interpretation

    Chapter 4: Bringing Your the Designers on Board and Creating a Concept Design Introduction Appointing designers Communication with the designers The design stages Concept design Let's summarise

    PART 3: EXECUTING THE PROJECT

    Chapter 5: Scheme and Detailed Design Introduction Scheme design Detailed design Working with architects Working to produce an exhibition in-house Conversations to have with the designers Let's summarise

    Chapter 6: On Site Introduction Preparing the space Selecting a contractor Sequencing the work On site Change control Health and safety Skills Signing off the work Object install Let's summarise

    PART 4: TRANSITION

    Chapter 7: Preparing for Opening Introduction Communication Wider museum changes Front of house Members, supporters and friends Thanking the team Heading Let's summarise

    PART 5: EVALUATING THE PROJECT

    Chapter 8: Project Closure Introduction Finances Files Process review Learning lessons from the project Evaluating exhibition success Heading Sustainability, accessibility and inclusivity Let's summarise

    PART 6: KEY PROJECT MANAGEMENT SKILLS

    Chapter 9: How to Manage a Project Programme Introduction How to manage the programme Let's summarise

    Chapter 10: Setting and Managing a Budget Introduction Cost control Understand your finances Tips to help you estimate your costs Setting up the budget Running the cost plan Managing the budget Change control Let's summarise Top tips from Nick Gold, director at PT Projects

    Chapter 11: Understanding and Managing Risks Introduction Risk appetite Understanding risk Having the right approach Setting up a risk register Actively managing the risks Dealing with issues Let's summarise

    Chapter 12: Summary Define Plan Execute Transition Closure Project management skills Bibliography Online resources.

    Biography

    Rhiannon Goddard has been working in museums for over 20 years. Since 2008 she has been at Historic Royal Palaces (HRP) managing the implementation of major exhibitions including 'Royal Style in the Making' and 'Fashion Rules' at Kensington Palace. As Head of Public Engagement Projects and Business Management she has fulfilled the role of Project Director for installations including 'Superbloom' at the Tower of London for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee in 2022. Prior to working for HRP Rhiannon worked at the British Museum, with the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council and Somerset House. She has an MA in History of Design from the V&A /RCA. Rhiannon lives in East London with her husband, son and cat.