Policy on the Care and Conservation of Collections

Policy on the Care and Conservation of Collections

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Bloodhound Exhibition Curator – Information for applicants and person specification

Background

The Royal Cornwall Museum (RCM)’s vision is to become a beacon for Cornish heritage and culture; involving and inspiring people through engagement with Cornish heritage and its links to the world. Its mission is to use its unique collections to provide a welcoming, dynamic and lively cultural hub that inspires people to explore, learn about and enjoy Cornish heritage and its links to the world thereby contributing to the economic and social welfare of the county.

The RCM’s programme of exhibitions and displays supports its vision and is central to carrying out its mission. It represents a core strand in its Business Strategy.

Context

The RCM has secured the hire of the BloodhoundModular Education Car for the period 1st August to 31st October 2016. This coincides with the planned UK runway trials of Bloodhound SSC at Aerohub, Newquay Cornwall Airport in late 2016, ahead of the first (800mph) record attempt projected to take place in South Africa the following year.

The Bloodhound Education Car is to be the centrepiece of an exhibition which will contextualise the Bloodhound SSC story making connections to Cornwall where appropriate. The exhibition will occupy space in the RCM’s Main Gallery juxtaposed against existing exhibits. The exhibition will also form a contextual backdrop to ‘Rocket Car’ workshops (designed for both formal and informal learners)which will run in tandemwith the exhibition.

aims

The aim of the Bloodhound initiative at the RCM is:

  • To support the RCM in delivering a vibrant and relevant cultural programme of exhibitions and events and high quality formal and informal learning offer.

Specifically:

  • By attracting family audiences (local and non-local) to the RCM.
  • Bydiversifying the RCM’s exhibition programme into STEM related subject areas.
  • By linking the RCM to a current, high-profile engineering initiative which has a unique connection to Cornwall.

Contract

The RCM is seeking a freelance exhibition curator to deliver the Bloodhound exhibition, to coincide with the presence of the Educational Car in the museum between 1st August and 31st October. We are looking for someone who has a proven track record in delivering successful exhibitions to a high standard in a museum environment. You must be able to take the project from initial interpretive planning to exhibition delivery. In particular you will be able to demonstrate the following:

  • Experience in interpretation and exhibition planning and delivery
  • Organisational and Project Management skills
  • Knowledge and understanding of Collections Management protocols and procedures
  • Understanding and application of evaluation methodologies
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Activities

Under this contract the following activities will need to be undertakento deliver the Bloodhound exhibition on time and on budget:

  1. Refining the aims, objectives and target audiences
  2. Defining themes, key learning outcomes and interpretation strategies.
  3. Identifying a content framework as well as the objects, textual / image content and design elements that will populate it.
  4. Organising and co-ordinating the administration and logistics of any object loans and the production of interpretative materials and text panels.
  5. Supporting the RCM Marketing team to develop a clear marketing strategy.
  6. Supporting the RCM Learning Officer to develop a learning and engagement programme and exhibition evaluation strategy.
  7. Liaison with the RCM Exhibitions Officer and Operations team in respect of installation logistics etc.
  8. Budget management.

The contract is being delivered under the responsibility of the Collections and Exhibitions team and you would need to liaise directly with the Collections and Exhibitions Manager.

Exhibition Budget

The principal expenditure on this project has been the hire of the Bloodhound Modular Education Car. There is a further £5,000 to develop the exhibition around this centrepiece with selected objects and graphic displays.

Contract Fee and Payment Schedule

The total contract fee is £4000. Payment schedule to be confirmed once project plan has been agreed.

Application

To express an interest in this contract please email your CV along with a covering letter that details your experience suitability for the role and includes an outline of how you would approach this project to: to be received by 08.04.16.

Interviews will take place on 18.04.16, for an immediate start.

Royal Institution of Cornwall

Bloodhound Curator – Information for applicants and person specification

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