Telling Stories though Exhibitions – Part 1

Presentation by Steve Miller for Building Together: Tools for Cultural places - M&G NSW / ACHAA Workshop , Sept 2014

Exhibitionor

Display?

Displays are “Cabinets of curiosities”, objects in a case having little or no relationship to each other and there is no through story or narrative

Objects tell storiesExhibitions communicate ideas

Curators select objects or groups of objects that tell the stories that best communicate the ideas or themes of

the exhibition

Context• Helps the viewer absorb and retain

information• Can be provided by a real person eg

an educator, interpreter or narrator

• Or the narrative can be embedded in the exhibition design, label hierarchy and use of other media. Handy when there is no one around to tell the stories!

Examples of other media • Graphics– Can be large or small format– Includes photos, illustrations, maps and

diagrams

• Audio visuals- Keep them brief (3-5 mins max) and focus on visuals

Examples of other media • Audio

- Music, sound effects etc mainly used to enhance the visitor experience and learning

• Interactives- Don’t need to be expensive

• Touchable panels• Props

Planning• Research• Consult• Consider a Reference Committee• Create an exhibition communication

brief

Concept• What is your central theme or idea?

Eg Aboriginal people are part of the world’s oldest living culture

• What sub themes build your case for the central theme?

Eg 1. An ancient culture 2. A current culture

• Do you have, or can you obtain, objects with stories that demonstrate the sub-themes?

Label Hierarchy

Theme Panel150 words

Subtheme Panel75 words

Object Label45-50 words

Other considerations• Mood – can change in an exhibition. Use

lighting and atmospherics such as music. Consider a surprising element or a reveal

• Children’s trail – a separate project but can be kept in mind during exhibition development. Pitch 5-6 labels at children’s height. Keep it simple and ask questions. Consider a label mascot and colours so it is clearly for kids

Aboriginal exhibitions are uniquely creative

• Because of the holistic nature of Aboriginal culture

• Aboriginal artists document history from an Aboriginal perspective eg Lin Onus Taking the children away

• Visual arts works can be included in the story

• The overall design of the exhibition can reflect the landscape, bring the outside in eg mural

Exhibition Communication Brief (SUMMARY)  Exhibition Title: _______________________________________________________________________What is the purpose of the exhibition?____________________________________________________________________What is the main theme of the exhibition (concept)? (3-4 sentences max)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Are there subthemes or sections? List up to seven (by headings)------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

List the key audiences in descending priority---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------__________________________________________________________________________________

Venue: What is the floorspace of the exhibition space? Are there any special features (eg high ceilings) or problems (eg columns)-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Use this space to break down the themes and indicate some of the key objects that will be used to illustrate each theme

THEME OBJECT

Aside from objects and labels, what other media will be used to tell your story? Eg large or small scale graphics, photos, facsimiles, audiovisual, sound, props?THEME OBJECT

Exhibition enhancementsList all the possibilities associated with the exhibition eg public programs (an exhibition interpreter or educator; a craft demonstration or a dance performance) publications (fact sheets; brochures, book or website) merchandise (postcards etc)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ StyleIf you are using an exhibition designer is there anything else they need to know or you want to convey in the exhibition eg mood – is it somber, reverential or uplifting? Is there a change in mood or a reveal or surprise?________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________