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Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
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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.

I'd also like to hear if people feel this might be a topic that's worth
considering for a session or forum at a ASTC conference or similar.

Happy to compile any of the feedback and re-circulate, and/or see about
placing the main points up on the exhibit files.

Hope to hear from you.
Dr Stuart Kohlhagen
Manager Research and Development
Questacon
The National Science and Technology Centre Canberra Australia
Classification: UNCLASSIFIED

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