PowerPoint by Steve Miller on Exhibition Design prepared for the M&G NSW / ACHAA workshops in Sept 2014

2. Telling Stories though Exhibitions –
Part 1
Presentation by Steve Miller for Building
Tools for Cultural places - M&G NSW / ACHAA
Workshop , Sept 2014

3. Exhibition
or
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

4. Objects tell stories
Exhibitions communicate ideas
Curators select objects or groups of
objects that tell the stories that best
communicate the ideas or themes of the
exhibition

5. 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!

6. 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

7. 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

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

9. 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?

10. Label Hierarchy
Theme Panel
150 words
Subtheme Panel
75 words
Object Label
45-50 words

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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)
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List the key audiences in descending priority
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__________________________________________________________________________________
Venue:
What is the floorspace of the exhibition space? Are there any special features (eg high ceilings) or
problems (eg columns)
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14. 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

15. 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

16. Exhibition enhancements
List 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)
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________
Style
If 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?
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
________________________