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Costs and putting together a brief
Costs
A lot of new interpretation can be done on a small or limited budget. Displays of objects can be changed easily, and object labels can give a change of tone or perspective, refreshing the story being told. New graphic panels will provide a new narrative or story and can be produced with a small design and print budget.
It is possible to buy elements of interpretation as oneoff items, but if you work with an exhibition designer, designing and installing a whole gallery or museum will provide better value for money than designing one off exhibits, where the design fees can seem out of proportion.
The highest cost items are likely to be museum standard showcases, digital AV and hands on interactive exhibits. Estimating costs for interpretation is difficult and is better done with some input from an experienced interpretive designer. A good place to start is by commissioning an Interpretive Strategy or Interpretive Plan, which will outline designs and cost estimates as well as set out an Interpretive Framework.
The Heritage Fund suggest estimating costs based on cost per m2. This provides a rough estimate to give a ballpark figure to help with costs before specific briefs are developed. They are based on the size of space and ambition for the interpretation, but do not take into account the number of showcases or variety of collections to be displayed. The figures may be a bit low and not account for recent price increases.
| Low specification display Without showcases (or reusing existing cases), mainly graphic panels, adjustments to existing lighting, no AV, non-bespoke furniture. |
Allow £1,000 per m/2 |
| Medium specification display Including some museum-grade showcases alternating with Perspex covers, simple AV, graphics, some furniture and some mounts and accessories. |
Allow £2,000 per m/2 |
| High specification display Including museum-grade showcases, AV, lighting, graphics, furniture, framing, mounts, labels and accessories. |
Allow £3,000 per m/2 |
Sample costs
The sample costs shown below provide an indication of costs for individual elements within an exhibition. VAT must be added to all costs shown and if you are working with a design company design and management fees will be proportional to the cost of the exhibition. The costs are a guide only and reflect prices in 2022.
| Element | Outline cost |
| Exhibition design consultant fees charged as % of project budget | 15% |
| Content research and development | £60 per hour |
| Script/text writing and editing | £60 per hour |
| Illustration/picture research, copyright | £50 per hour |
| Graphic Panels: Graphic design Graphic art working 12mm digital wrap MDF graphic panel 900mm x 1400mm or: Direct print to substrate – 5mm foamex graphic 900mm x 1400mm |
£300 per panel £300 per panel £250 £125 |
| Low tech hands-on mechanical interactive Interactive design |
£5000 – £8000 £60 per hour |
| Low tech jigsaw type interactive Interactive design / art working |
£500 – £1200 £60 per hour |
| Audio point with headset excl. content | £450 |
| 32” digital screen with inbuilt player | £500 |
| 32” touchscreen with inbuilt pc | £1800 |
| Exhibition high spec grade showcase 2000mm w x 2000mmh h x 600mm d with internal lighting – no shelving. |
£15,000 – £18,000 |
Putting together a brief
A good brief starts the conversation with prospective consultants or design teams. It should include:
- Introduction and context
- Purpose and aim of the new interpretation
- Outputs (you might need to specify the number of showcases or graphic panels)
- The project team and support or information available
- Opportunities for questions and site visit
- Evaluation of quotes / bids
- Timescales
- Contact information.
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