Exhibition Layout
Before rushing ahead and hanging the art. it’s important to take some time to design the layout of the exhibition. It is envisaged there will be two key curators for the Hall with artists working as a team to contribute to the installation.
• Bring all the prepared artwork to the space and start by spreading out the pieces and putting them against the wall where you think they might look good. Move the pieces around until you are happy.
• While thinking about the aesthetics of the hang it’s important to consider the flow of the room - Can visitors move around the Hall safely?
• As there are many windows in the space, be aware of reflections on framed works and direct sunlight on works on paper.
• Consider which style of hang to be used – gallery/standard height or salon style. Salon Style takes its name and appearance from the salons of the 19th Century where dozens of artworks were squeezed together onto the walls as part of academic competitions. Things to consider for Salon Style are spacing, proportions, frame styles, colour palette, and composition.
• Bring all the prepared artwork to the space and start by spreading out the pieces and putting them against the wall where you think they might look good. Move the pieces around until you are happy.
• While thinking about the aesthetics of the hang it’s important to consider the flow of the room - Can visitors move around the Hall safely?
• As there are many windows in the space, be aware of reflections on framed works and direct sunlight on works on paper.
• Consider which style of hang to be used – gallery/standard height or salon style. Salon Style takes its name and appearance from the salons of the 19th Century where dozens of artworks were squeezed together onto the walls as part of academic competitions. Things to consider for Salon Style are spacing, proportions, frame styles, colour palette, and composition.
Exhibition Installation
Once the final layout is worked out it’s time to start hanging.
Gallery Style hanging is viewed with the centre at eye level, which is usually at 150cm from the floor. To find the 150cm centre height, here is a quick measurement technique: Height of the artwork ÷ 2 + 150cm = Top of the artwork.
Salon Style suits the Andamooka Hall’s unique configuration and better accommodates the number of artists and artworks. Things to consider are spacing, proportions, frame styles, colour palette, and composition.
To ensure an efficient and professional exhibition installation make sure to delegate the install team according to their skills and experience.
Gallery Style hanging is viewed with the centre at eye level, which is usually at 150cm from the floor. To find the 150cm centre height, here is a quick measurement technique: Height of the artwork ÷ 2 + 150cm = Top of the artwork.
Salon Style suits the Andamooka Hall’s unique configuration and better accommodates the number of artists and artworks. Things to consider are spacing, proportions, frame styles, colour palette, and composition.
To ensure an efficient and professional exhibition installation make sure to delegate the install team according to their skills and experience.
Installation Tool Kit
Before the install period check that all the correct equipment is available. Ask at APOMA for the Tool Box.
Essential tools:
• Cordless drill and spare battery
• Drill bits
• 2 x Tape measures
• Pencils, sharpener and eraser
• Spirit level (including a small level for placing on top of framed works)
• Hammer
• 2 x Pliers – pointy nose + blunt nose
• 2 x Ladders (or ready access to same – perhaps stored on the stage behind the curtains)
Ephemerals:
• D Rings and screws
• Blutak (to use with labels)
• Fishing wire and metal hooks for use with the relocatable screens
• Double sided Velcro tape to use with the relocatable screens
• Metal hooks to use with the fencing on the stage
• The right type of screws for the Andamooka Hall walls
• Wood – wood screws
• Gyprock – Gyprock screws and wall mates
• Gyprock with back – Gyprock screws
• Brick walls and paster – Wall plugs and screws
• Microfibre cloths for cleaning and dusting
• Windex for glass cleaning (removing fingerprints)
Gallery System:
• Wires
• Hanging cables
• Adjustable hooks
• Wall tracks and clip-in hangers
Essential tools:
• Cordless drill and spare battery
• Drill bits
• 2 x Tape measures
• Pencils, sharpener and eraser
• Spirit level (including a small level for placing on top of framed works)
• Hammer
• 2 x Pliers – pointy nose + blunt nose
• 2 x Ladders (or ready access to same – perhaps stored on the stage behind the curtains)
Ephemerals:
• D Rings and screws
• Blutak (to use with labels)
• Fishing wire and metal hooks for use with the relocatable screens
• Double sided Velcro tape to use with the relocatable screens
• Metal hooks to use with the fencing on the stage
• The right type of screws for the Andamooka Hall walls
• Wood – wood screws
• Gyprock – Gyprock screws and wall mates
• Gyprock with back – Gyprock screws
• Brick walls and paster – Wall plugs and screws
• Microfibre cloths for cleaning and dusting
• Windex for glass cleaning (removing fingerprints)
Gallery System:
• Wires
• Hanging cables
• Adjustable hooks
• Wall tracks and clip-in hangers
Exhibition Work Health and Safety
Hazards emerge from haste. It is important to keep the Hall tidy and organised during installation.
To avoid accidents remember the following health and safety practices:
• Ladders should be adequately supported at the base. Do not erect ladders on slippery or soft surfaces.
• When lifting objects, consider your ability to handle the load. If in doubt, get assistance.
• Remember to wear respiratory protection masks when exposed to dust and fumes.
• Be wary of trip hazards, such as extension cords.
To avoid accidents remember the following health and safety practices:
• Ladders should be adequately supported at the base. Do not erect ladders on slippery or soft surfaces.
• When lifting objects, consider your ability to handle the load. If in doubt, get assistance.
• Remember to wear respiratory protection masks when exposed to dust and fumes.
• Be wary of trip hazards, such as extension cords.
Exhibition Audience
Ensuring access to the exhibition for all visitors is important.
Labels
The following visitors might benefit from varied labelling, or visual cues and symbols:
• Children and families – use labels containing active prompts to encourage looking and responding to the displayed objects or artwork. Place these labels at a lowered height line and include symbols to create a way of leading the audience through the exhibition.
• Groups with accessibility issues – provide large print text on portable information sheets for elderly, visually impaired or less mobile audiences. Place these at centralised seating points with increased lighting which reduces the need to stand for long periods of time in front of artworks.
• In situ technology – video material, audio recordings or interactive devices such as iPads or touch screen monitors makes it easy for audiences to choose how they prefer to engage with exhibition information.
• Children and families – use labels containing active prompts to encourage looking and responding to the displayed objects or artwork. Place these labels at a lowered height line and include symbols to create a way of leading the audience through the exhibition.
• Groups with accessibility issues – provide large print text on portable information sheets for elderly, visually impaired or less mobile audiences. Place these at centralised seating points with increased lighting which reduces the need to stand for long periods of time in front of artworks.
• In situ technology – video material, audio recordings or interactive devices such as iPads or touch screen monitors makes it easy for audiences to choose how they prefer to engage with exhibition information.
Label Placement and Location
The layout and placement of labels in relation to a logical walking path is also very important. The flow of information should build a story or develop a learning experience for the audience.
Research suggests that audiences will turn left unless directed to do otherwise. Keep in mind and ensure that labels are placed on the side of the artwork which will be approached first.
Place labels within close proximity to the artwork they reference. Adhere small mounted labels with Blutac or similar easy to remove product.
Double-sided Velcro tape will support heavier labels however this can mark walls when removed.
Ensure the label level and placement is consistent across the exhibition and that audiences are not required to bend or adjust their posture to read.
Gallery tools such as seating, temporary walls and lighting can also assist in creating a direction for the audience or breaking up a space if needed.
Research suggests that audiences will turn left unless directed to do otherwise. Keep in mind and ensure that labels are placed on the side of the artwork which will be approached first.
Place labels within close proximity to the artwork they reference. Adhere small mounted labels with Blutac or similar easy to remove product.
Double-sided Velcro tape will support heavier labels however this can mark walls when removed.
Ensure the label level and placement is consistent across the exhibition and that audiences are not required to bend or adjust their posture to read.
Gallery tools such as seating, temporary walls and lighting can also assist in creating a direction for the audience or breaking up a space if needed.
It should be simple, but often it isn’t, so ask someone for help and check for spelling errors.
Technology
Technology increasingly provides new ways to communicate exhibition information. Many people have been shown to retain information better when they use a combination of senses and learning approaches.
Consider providing related video material such as interviews or documentaries which screen in situ in the exhibition space. Audio guides or interactive devices such as touch screen monitors or iPads, which allows the audience to select information according to personal preferences, can support educational programs.
When incorporating these forms of technology consider the impact of sound and light dominating the space. Digital technology should not overshadow the physical exhibition.
The online presence of information and links to resources is often the first and last point of reference for Hall visitors prior and post visit.
Interactive prompts such as QR codes may help in making a connection between the immediate exhibition and online content, however these should not take precedence over other standard forms of label information.
Consider providing related video material such as interviews or documentaries which screen in situ in the exhibition space. Audio guides or interactive devices such as touch screen monitors or iPads, which allows the audience to select information according to personal preferences, can support educational programs.
When incorporating these forms of technology consider the impact of sound and light dominating the space. Digital technology should not overshadow the physical exhibition.
The online presence of information and links to resources is often the first and last point of reference for Hall visitors prior and post visit.
Interactive prompts such as QR codes may help in making a connection between the immediate exhibition and online content, however these should not take precedence over other standard forms of label information.
LABELS
Basic Information Structure
1. Artist / maker
2. Title
3. Date
4. Medium/materials
5. Dimensions
a. Paintings are measured by height first, followed by width.
b. Sculptures and three-dimensional installations are measured by height, width, and depth.
6. Provenance or collection
7. Description
1. Artist / maker
2. Title
3. Date
4. Medium/materials
5. Dimensions
a. Paintings are measured by height first, followed by width.
b. Sculptures and three-dimensional installations are measured by height, width, and depth.
6. Provenance or collection
7. Description
Generally, the first four items are required for inclusion on the label for exhibition.
Dimensions are required when deciding where items might fit in the exhibition; whether the item is displayed on the wall, floor, plinth or stage. These measurements are also useful if packaging and posting is required at time of sale.
Items 6 and 7 provide useful information for promoting the exhibition.
How much information?
Your label will likely be read by people without any prior information about the art. Choose language that is clear, concise, and avoids jargon.
Provide context about the object and its place in the exhibition.
Keep the order of information consistent and include key things of interest about the artwork to give important story line information.
Provide context about the object and its place in the exhibition.
Keep the order of information consistent and include key things of interest about the artwork to give important story line information.
Label size
Consistency of font, text size, spacing and type assists audiences in understanding information. Fonts such as Helvetica Regular, Verdana and Arial in a size of at least 18 points are the easiest for the eye to comprehend for text based information. Text sizes should be increased if audiences are standing further than 1 metre from labels.
Label types and materials
Laminated labels offer flexibility for specific sizes.
Another basic form of label is printed information on adhesive paper mounted on card or foam board.
Use black text on white or cream.
Labels should not be bigger than the art work.
Another basic form of label is printed information on adhesive paper mounted on card or foam board.
Use black text on white or cream.
Labels should not be bigger than the art work.
Audience
Ensuring access to the exhibition for all visitors is important.
The following visitors might benefit from varied labelling, or visual cues and symbols:
• Children and families – use labels containing active prompts to encourage looking and responding to the displayed objects or artwork. Place these labels at a lowered height line and include symbols to create a way of leading the audience through the exhibition.
• Groups with accessibility issues – provide large print text on portable information sheets for elderly, visually impaired or less mobile audiences. Place these at centralised seating points with increased lighting which reduces the need to stand for long periods of time in front of artworks.
• In situ technology – video material, audio recordings or interactive devices such as iPads or touch screen monitors makes it easy for audiences to choose how they prefer to engage with exhibition information.
The following visitors might benefit from varied labelling, or visual cues and symbols:
• Children and families – use labels containing active prompts to encourage looking and responding to the displayed objects or artwork. Place these labels at a lowered height line and include symbols to create a way of leading the audience through the exhibition.
• Groups with accessibility issues – provide large print text on portable information sheets for elderly, visually impaired or less mobile audiences. Place these at centralised seating points with increased lighting which reduces the need to stand for long periods of time in front of artworks.
• In situ technology – video material, audio recordings or interactive devices such as iPads or touch screen monitors makes it easy for audiences to choose how they prefer to engage with exhibition information.
Placement and location
The layout and placement of labels in relation to a logical walking path is also very important. The flow of information should build a story or develop a learning experience for the audience.
Research suggests that audiences will turn left unless directed to do otherwise. Keep in mind and ensure that labels are placed on the side of the artwork which will be approached first.
Place labels within close proximity to the artwork they reference. Adhere small mounted labels with Bluetac or similar easy to remove product.
Double-sided Velcro tape will support heavier labels however this can mark walls when removed.
Ensure the label level and placement is consistent across the exhibition and that audiences are not required to bend or adjust their posture to read.
Gallery tools such as seating, temporary walls and lighting can also assist in creating a direction for the audience or breaking up a space if needed.
Research suggests that audiences will turn left unless directed to do otherwise. Keep in mind and ensure that labels are placed on the side of the artwork which will be approached first.
Place labels within close proximity to the artwork they reference. Adhere small mounted labels with Bluetac or similar easy to remove product.
Double-sided Velcro tape will support heavier labels however this can mark walls when removed.
Ensure the label level and placement is consistent across the exhibition and that audiences are not required to bend or adjust their posture to read.
Gallery tools such as seating, temporary walls and lighting can also assist in creating a direction for the audience or breaking up a space if needed.
Technology
Technology increasingly provides new ways to communicate exhibition information. Many people have been shown to retain information better when they use a combination of senses and learning approaches.
Consider providing related video material such as interviews or documentaries which screen in situ in the exhibition space. Audio guides or interactive devices such as touch screen monitors or ipads, which allows the audience to select information according to personal preferences, can support educational programs.
When incorporating these forms of technology consider the impact of sound and light dominating the space. Digital technology should not overshadow the physical exhibition.
The online presence of information and links to resources is often the first and last point of reference for gallery visitors prior and post visit.
Interactive prompts such as QR codes may help in making a connection between the immediate exhibition and online content, however these should not take precedence over other standard forms of label information.
Consider providing related video material such as interviews or documentaries which screen in situ in the exhibition space. Audio guides or interactive devices such as touch screen monitors or ipads, which allows the audience to select information according to personal preferences, can support educational programs.
When incorporating these forms of technology consider the impact of sound and light dominating the space. Digital technology should not overshadow the physical exhibition.
The online presence of information and links to resources is often the first and last point of reference for gallery visitors prior and post visit.
Interactive prompts such as QR codes may help in making a connection between the immediate exhibition and online content, however these should not take precedence over other standard forms of label information.