ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
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As a individual contractor building exhibits, ( in my case Laser Harp 
installations), I have sometimes wondered  how many Museums and Science 
Centers have their in-house staff  create all their exhibits and projects ? 
And how often do you, or others reading this post,  go to outside specialist 
contractors like myself ?

Glenn Hill   LaserHarps.com & Mountian Glen Harps LLC, Phoenix Oregon USA

Dr Stuart Kohlhagen said:

"Questacon - as a national institution is now moving through our 20th
year, (and heading towards 30 as an organisation).

During that time we have always had the benefit of an in house workshop.
This has been of various sizes and makeups over the decades, anything
from 3 to 50 people, with a mix skills including concentres, educators,
designers, graphic designers, IT, electronics, cabinetry, machinists,
fitter turners, travelling exhibition specialists and project managers.

We produce between 750 sqm and 1200 sqm ( 7500- 12000 s ft) of
exhibitions a year depending on complexity and other projects,
refurbishment etc. we provide maintenance support for about 400 exhibits
at home and on the road. At various times we have done absolutely
everything in house, and at other times concentrated on R&D and
prototyping, and managed the production of the more repetitive
components through external contractors. From time to time we source
complete exhibits from other centres or exhibit fabricators.

We are currently taking the opportunity to reflect on what we do, and
how we do it, with an eye on making the best use of our people,
resources, and facility.

I'd like to hear about other peoples experiences and approaches to
getting from and idea into an exhibit, the pros and cons as you find
them."

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