Interpretation
To use the information sheets provided for any of the subjects listed below please click the title to access the associated Word document or click on link provided to go to the relevant external website.
POLICIES
A museum’s interpretation policy provides directions for the ways in which it will communicate and exhibit information and objects for the purpose of study, education and enjoyment.
Exhibitions and displays are the ways in which museums communicate with the public and are the most visible expression of a museum’s ambitions. An exhibition policy must be firmly based on the type of collection a museum holds.
PLANS
Interpretation Plan - sample plans available on request
ISSUES
Cultural planning is used when planning for communities and considers the broader cultural life of a community when managing arts and cultural resources in local government areas. It can be considered in facility planning and design for museums.
People with disabilities have the right to derive the same benefits from museums and galleries as other visitors.
EXHIBITION DEVELOPMENT
Developing and Planning Exhibitions - Overview
As exhibitions are the most visible expression of a museum’s mission statement, they require sound planning from the early research through to the design and evaluation.
Developing and Planning Exhibitions - Step by Step
Sound planning is essential if the museum is to develop a successful exhibition. The following points provide an easy reference point for museum staff in the initial planning stages of an exhibition.
Text and Labels in Museum Exhibitions
Text offers information which contributes to visitors’ appreciation of a topic. They should be an integral part of an exhibition and contain simple and precise information.
A guide to using text on labels.
Window treatments, display and in case lighting.
Equipment and Materials
Available at a later date
Using shop dummies with museum costume collections
For mannequin suppliers, please see Suppliers and Consultants below
EDUCATION AND PUBLIC PROGRAMS
Education has traditionally been associated with the teaching of skills and understanding. The emphasis has now been turned around and the focus is on learning through the processes of enquiry and discovery. Learning is now seen as a lifelong process rather than an end-product, a process that takes many forms, both formal and informal where the learner is seen as an active maker of his or her own learning experiences.
Public Programs - Link to Museums Australia, Museum Methods, Education and Public Programs, via CAN
Education/School Programs - Link to magsq 'Developing Public Programs for Children'
EVALUATION
Evaluation can provide invaluable audience information and help shape planning, running and revision of many museum activities.
SUPPLIERS AND CONSULTANTS
Material Suppliers - Link to zettaflorence.com.au
Also useful are craft suppliers www.eckersley.com.au and www.spotlight.com.au
Mannequins - standard and custom made are available though: Lindie Ward, Museum Mannequins, email: lindie@museum-mannequins.net, tel: (04) 2526 1201; address: 6 King Street, Balmain, NSW; website: link to museum-mannequins.net
OR Studio 105, located in Brisbane, tel: (07) 3870 2675; fax: (07) 3871 2457; 1/109 Indooroopilly Rd, Taringa, Brisbane, QLD
Consultant services - Link to Heritage Council, Directory of Consultants
OR Link to AICCM, Members in Private Practice
REFERENCES AND LINKS
Bibliography - A select bibliography for exhibition work
OR A select bibliography for education, audience and interpretation
Links www
AICCM (Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Materials) www.aiccm.org.au
Collections Australia Network www.collectionsaustralia.net.au
Heritage Council of Western Australia www.heritage.wa.gov.au
Museums and Galleries NSW www.mgnsw.org.au
Museum and Gallery Services, Queensland www.magsq.com.au
Museums Australia www.museumsaustralia.org.au
National Film & Sound Archive www.nfsa.afc.gov.au – Conservation of film and audio footage