Modus Arts: Exhibition Designer

Designer is needed in Manchester, United Kingdom.

Client: Modus Arts

Location: Manchester, UK

Contract: Contractor

Location:

Manchester

Duration:

Jan 2024 – Feb 2024

Project Fee:

£2,000

About the Organisation:

Modus Arts draws on interdisciplinary and collaborative approaches to developing public-facing sound-based artworks and events, encompassing installations, live performances, acousmatic musics, sound sculpture, sound archives, oral histories, and workshops.

Role Overview:

Modus Arts is seeking an Exhibition Designer to lead the installation of an oral history project in Ashton Under Lyne, Greater Manchester. The exhibition will be centred on the Tape Letters project (www.tapeletters.com) and be held in a non-traditional gallery setting, namely an indoor market, and will be mixed-discipline in its content, i.e. involve large-format prints of photos, interactive apps on iPads, film, and a sound installation.

The exhibition will run between Feb 2024 - Feb 2025 as a long-term installation and will be supported by the Arts Council of England, Tameside Council, and several local community organisations.

About Tape Letters:

Tape Letters is an oral history project that highlights the little-known cultural practice within the British-Pakistani community of recording and sending messages on cassette tape between the 1960s-1980s. The comprehensive outreach programme has uncovered several surviving cassettes sent and received by this community and ensures their long-term preservation by adding them to a fledgling archive at the Bishopsgate Institute in London. The team has produced multiple project outputs, including in-person exhibitions, a WebXR exhibition, a film, a photography series, a radio series, written publications, and a set of learning resources.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop a design concept that encapsulates the essence of the Tape Letters project.
• Produce detailed design plans to communicate your vision to the team effectively.
• Ensure the project’s oral histories and personal narratives are thoughtfully and respectfully incorporated into the exhibition.
• Manage the setup and delivery of the exhibition in liaison with the venue, Modus Arts, and project partners.
• Work closely with project stakeholders to ensure the exhibition aligns with the overarching vision of Tape Letters and Modus Arts.
• Determine the optimal layout and flow of the exhibition space to maximize visitor engagement.
• Collaborate with the venue’s administrators to ensure the practicality of the design.
• Develop and manage budgets for the exhibition design, ensuring cost-effective solutions without compromising quality.
• Establish and adhere to a detailed project timeline to ensure the timely completion of the exhibition installation.
• Provide regular updates on progress and address any challenges that may arise.

Person Specification:

• Proven experience in exhibition design and installation, with a portfolio showcasing successful projects.
• Knowledge of how to engage with broad audiences within public spaces.
• Strong knowledge of installation materials and installation processes.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing project requirements.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a CV and a cover letter outlining relevant experience and approach to exhibition design.