BOOK AN EXHIBITION

Shipping

GuestCurator Traveling Exhibitions coordinates incoming and outgoing shipping for all exhibitions. Shipping arrival and departure dates will be provided within a reasonable timeframe and when made available by the transit company. Generally, exhibitions are delivered 10 to 14 days prior to the opening date. Additional time may be provided if required for the exhibition installation, is possible in the schedule and if requested by the host venue. Transit is generally contracted through a specialized art handler.

Condition Reports

GuestCurator Traveling Exhibitions assembles a Condition Report Book that travels with each exhibition and provides exhibitors with forms and instructions to report the condition of the exhibition and all objects upon unpacking and again upon repacking. Unless other arrangements are made, the exhibition must acclimatize for at least 24 hours before unpacking. GuestCurator Traveling Exhibitions must be notified immediately of any loss or damage upon receipt and/or while the exhibition is on display. Any visible damage to an object and/or improper packing must be documented with photographs before the object is removed from its crate. Frames may not be opened nor other damages repaired without express permission from GuestCurator Traveling Exhibitions staff.

Crating

GuestCurator Traveling Exhibitions are packed in custom-built art crates, which must be stored in a climate controlled and secured environment that meets the environmental conditions required for the exhibition. Crates should be carefully examined for damage before they are unpacked. External crate damage must be reported, and should also be documented with photographs. Crates should be adequately cleaned prior to repacking the exhibition for shipment and original packing materials used unless otherwise instructed.

Installation/De-installation

GuestCurator Traveling Exhibition provides guidelines for planning and designing installations, and including checklists, crate lists, and specific instructions for exhibition.
Some exhibition might require a courier to travel with an exhibition and to install and de-install exhibit objects. If required, courier arrangements will be stipulated in the exhibition contract.
Exhibitions contracted through GuestCurator Traveling Exhibitions must be displayed in entirety and exclusive, unless provided permission to do otherwise.

Every GuestCurator traveling exhibition requires a level of security and environmental control, dependent on the lender and material on loan. Standard temperature levels are 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit, and 45 to 50 percent relative humidity. Light levels may be specified between 5 and 15 footcandles. Direct sunlight is not allowed for any exhibition, and special light levels may be required as dictated by the material on loan.

In general, security and environmental levels have the following guidelines. Exhibitions offered through GuestCurator Traveling Exhibitions will stipulate either ‘moderate’ or ‘high’. Specific requirements will be outlined in the Exhibition Contract. Failure to provide security equal to or greater than that required for a particular exhibition may be considered negligence and may result in the exhibitor’s liability for loss or damages. All loans will require the submission of a Standard Facility Report prior to contract. A Standard Facility can be obtained by contacting the American Alliance of Museums: 202.633.3140.

Insurance in the amount of the value of the exhibition will be required and a Certificate of Insurance in the amount provided in the loan must be submitted prior to shipment.

Medium Security Definition

Exhibition Space
– Limited-access, gallery-type area. An open mall, hallway, or lounge area is not acceptable.
– Locked, environmentally stable interior exhibition storage and staging areas.

Protection
– Guards or other trained personnel, in sufficient numbers to assure the safety of exhibition components, whose sole duty is the supervision of the exhibition while it is on display.
– Exhibition area must be locked and secure during closing hours. Alarm and/or guards during night hours are preferred but not required. Handling of objects, if not actually by a registrar or curator, must be by a preparator, exhibition technician, or other persons trained in handling museum objects.
– Fire protection according to local ordinances.

High Security Definition

High security is generally required for exhibitions containing highly valuable and/or culturally sensitive objects, materials that are sensitive to light or climatic changes in humidity and temperature, or of an especially fragile nature. This includes archaeological objects, antiquities, original works of art, and original materials, especially those made of paper, wood, textile, gold, silver, and other precious materials. Exhibitions that include technical, audiovisual, or interactive elements may also be designated high security.

The following conditions must be met to contract a high security exhibition:

Space
– Limited-access gallery of sufficient area and ceiling height to accommodate the exhibition.
– Locked, environmentally stable interior exhibition storage and staging areas.

Protection
– Trained, professional guards in sufficient number to handle and protect objects adequately throughout the time that the exhibition is on site: during unpacking, installation, deinstallation, and re-packing as well as during the actual showing of the exhibition to provide crowd control.
– Provisions to prevent the public access to non-enclosed objects through an appropriate hanging system, the use of stanchions, rails, platforms, electronic devices, and/or guard supervision.
– Locked and/or alarmed cases for small objects as required. Acrylic cases are acceptable for high security exhibitions, provided they are no less than 3/8 inch thickness, are adequately alarmed and tamper proof, and are secured to walls or bases.
– Handling of objects during unpacking, installation, and repacking by professionally trained and experienced museum professionals.
– Exhibition area must be locked and secure during closing hours. Alarm and/or guard surveillance during closing hours is required.
– Fire systems and other fire protection devices according to local ordinances.

Environmental Controls
Temperature and light controls are required for all high security exhibitions. Light, temperature, and humidity must be adjustable to specified levels when required and will be delineated in the exhibition contract. Standard levels are 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit, and 45 to 50 percent relative humidity. Light levels may be specified between 5 and 15 footcandles. Direct sunlight must  be diffused or eliminated to prevent fading of wall panels and props.

Contracts

GuestCurator will issue a contract for the exhibition once a date has been agreed upon and reserved in the exhibit tour schedule. The signed contract and initial deposit payment are due 45 days after the contract package has been mailed.

Payments

GuestCurator will issue a contract for the exhibition once a date has been agreed upon and reserved in the exhibit tour schedule. The signed contract and initial deposit payment are due 45 days after the contract package has been mailed.

Shipping

Shipping charges, generally a pro-rated amount provided in the exhibition contract are billed separately and due within thirty days of exhibition receipt.

Cancellations

If an organization cancels an exhibition booking, it is obligated to pay the entire exhibition fee and any other costs (e.g., shipping or storage) related to the cancellation, unless GuestCurator is able to secure another booking for the same time period. Cancellations of less than 90 days prior to loan will be liable for all fees and costs, regardless. Once an exhibitor signs a contract, the exhibition period is reserved and other organizations are prevented from hosting the show during that time.

GuestCurator reviews proposals for new exhibitions periodically throughout the year. If you have a project that you would like us to consider, please contact us.