Speaking from the exhibit house point of view I can say it is definitely a process that looks different for each situation. I can't speak much to the curatorial logistics but here is some info on how we normally see the exhibit design planning happen.
The first thing I ask a museum board or team to do is come up with a "movie poster" for their new exhibit. Classic movie posters showed images of highlights and key points from the movie. That is the best place to start is finding out those highlights so you know where to focus time and money. From that point I encourage continuing the movie analogy by moving to storyboard/plot. How do you want the viewer to experience the space? Are the key points that you want to evoke a specific emotion etc? Walk through the space either physically or digitally and really feel how the guest will experience the space. Do you want them to spend more time in a certain area? Is there a long continuous stretch where they may lose interest and skip? Brainstorm on these ideas and start sketching little snapshots of what comes to mind. It will be these snapshots that eventually become designs, blueprint, and finally reality.
All exhibits tell a story even sometimes it is only implied so in bullet points the key ideas look something like this:
What story is being told?
From what point of view is the story being told from?
What are the key highlights of the story?
How does the story need to feel/look?
Set a budget expectation.
Begin design and build process according to the plan laid out from answers to the previous questions.
I could have totally misinterpreted what you were asking for but I hope this helps you at least a little.
Best regards,
------------------------------
Tyler Rigney
Project Development
Pizzazz Scenic Contractors, Inc.
Jacksonville FL
------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 01-22-2019 10:32 AM
From: Luis Cortes
Subject: Exhibition Checklist
Good morning,
We are in the middle of rethinking how we plan and develop an exhibit. I'd also be very interested in any template or list anyone would be willing to share. This is one area that a lot of museum's and institutions do differently.
Thank you!
------------------------------
Luis Cortes
Executive Assistant to President
Fort Worth Museum of Science & History
Fort Worth TX
Original Message:
Sent: 01-22-2019 10:07 AM
From: Alan Ransenberg
Subject: Exhibition Checklist
Hi Kiatkyn
I have a document that I use to teach clients that id be glad to share with you, however it has my logo all over it! And it isnt a check list, its the process we use.
------------------------------
alan ransenberg
planner/ designer/ owner
the alchemy of design
portland or
Original Message:
Sent: 01-21-2019 11:45 AM
From: Kaitlyn McElwee
Subject: Exhibition Checklist
Does anyone have an exhibition planning template/checklist that I could look at?
I'm planning a juried exhibition and I want to make sure that I don't omit any steps.
Thanks!
------------------------------
Kaitlyn McElwee
Charlotte NC
------------------------------