The exhibition process The phases of an exhibition

Part one The conceptual or feasibility phase –Brainstorming for ideas –Examination of the feasibility of doing the exhibition Do we have the objects? Do we have the budget? Do we have the time? –Purpose statement is developed (a.k.a. the “Big Idea”)

Part 2 The Preliminary Design phase –The team is assembled –The educational goals (communication goals) are developed –Rough schedule and budget are drawn up –Front end evaluation and research is conducted –Storyline and conceptual design is formulated –Formative evaluation begins –Preliminary selection of objects

Part 3 Detailed design phase –Script of the exhibition is finalized –Final design is created –Formative evaluation is finished –Cost estimating and design revisions occur –Loans of objects formalized –Educational programming planned

Part 4 Production planning phase –Project’s final budget and schedule are created –Specification documents and construction documents are drawn. –Loan objects start to arrive –Conservation on objects takes place, as necessary

Part 5 Production phase –Label and text panels prepared –Construction of gallery –Fabrication and installation of objects –Lighting design finalized –Media and marketing of exhibition –Educational programming finalized Docents trained

Part 6 Operational phase –Exhibition opens to the public –Summative evaluation of the exhibition takes place –Exhibition redesign and adjustments are made –Ongoing maintenance of exhibition and any interactives occurs –Educational programming takes place Tours, lectures, programs

Part 7 Termination phase –Exhibition is taken down –Objects returned to the collection or to lenders –Summative evaluation report is prepared –Accounts are balanced to ensure proper use of funds including reports to funding agencies

Part 8 Assessment phase –Evaluation of the entire process takes place –Documents are generated –Educational and Institutional goals are evaluated –Final report is created for funding agency.