Working title ideas: "Social Fabric: Land, Labor, and the World the Textile Industry Created"
Opening: October 2022
Ideas:
Tell the story of textile and garment industries from the viewpoint of the communities those industries historically and currently impacted. This might include the indigenous communities that lived along the river valleys in New England where those industries sprang up (and made the industrial revolution possible in the US), enslaved people/sharecroppers in the South that grew the cotton that fed the mills, immigrants that worked in the mills who fought for worker's rights through unions, to currently incarcerated people that continue to make clothing and textiles in American prisons.
Curators:
Marcie Farwell (Kheel)
Dr. Wesley Chenault (Kheel)
Dr. Tamika Nunley (History Department)
Claudia Leon: Public History Fellow
Timeline:
- Start selection process by November 2021
- Finalize exhibit title by January 2022
- Final selections due April 2022
- Start conservation treatment by May 2022 (earlier as we make selections)
- Final text and layout for student case due May 2022
- Final text for curators due July 2022
TIMELINE:
6-12 MONTHS BEFORE OPENING (depending on gallery size):
*Decide on the theme(s) for the exhibition's focus
*Call preliminary meeting(s) of curators, RMC administrators, and other stakeholders (including conservation) to discuss goals, parameters, budgets, any non-ordinary conditions, display furnishings, likely associated events, partners, and establish a timeline
*Assign responsibilities to each curator/collaborator.
*Assemble curator(s) and establish a regular meeting schedule with exhibition coordinator and others to keep exhibition tasks on track
*Finalize title, exact date for opening, and (for Hirshland gallery exhibitions) develop a short publicity blurb and lead images, establish a web splash page
*Decide what event(s) will take place around the exhibition opening; notify Library Communications and Library Administration so planning efforts for publicity and opening reception can begin
4-6 MONTHS BEFORE:
*Exhibition selections due. Check exhibition items out to the event in Aeon and assemble them in the prep room.
*Document each exhibition item, recording notes on how it is to be displayed, and which (if any) images should be shot for web version, when relevant
*Decide how many cases, pedestals, framed items, and other display items/areas will be needed, and their general arrangement in the gallery.
*Meet with Conservation team to review selected materials and determine any treatment needs. (The Exhibition Assistant will schedule this once everything is selected, but curator(s) responsible for collection area should attend)
*Create case maps for the Conservation staff’s reference so they can build appropriate supports.
3-4 MONTHS BEFORE:
*Photograph/scan items for website (if applicable) or for facsimiles as needed. (Exhibition Assistant will coordinate)
*Final label and other interpretive text due. HAVE IT PROOFREAD by multiple people. (Exhibition Assistant will format, print, and coordinate mounting of labels.)
*Work with web/graphic designer(s) to select images for publicity items (posters, sails, rack card, event invite, etc.), decals, website, and publicity efforts
*Finalize descriptive blurb(s) for events calendar, invitations, and other publicity.
2 Weeks before to OPENING DAY:
*Install exhibition
*Give preview tours to Library administrators as requested
*Coordinate publicity and outreach with Library Communications and invitations and opening reception catering with Library Administration
WEEK AFTER:
*Reshelve any unused items from prep room. Make sure that prep room is returned to order
WHILE EXHIBIT IS OPEN:
*Curators should be prepared to give tours to library staff, and presentations on the exhibition for classes, other groups and the general public.
WEEK OF DEINSTALLATION:
*Remove exhibit items from display areas; return all items to vault/annex/loaner.