Exhibition designer

Introduction

2026 will be the year of Treasure at the Great North Museum: Hancock – we will be exploring the concept of treasure and what it means to our audiences, our region and our history. The year long programme will include exhibitions, events, learning activity and interventions. Many of these elements will be developed and delivered in partnership with other institutions, creative organisations and individuals.  

Central to this programme will be ‘Treasure’ (working title) – a major exhibition that will invite audiences to consider, reflect on, and question the concept of ‘treasure’. The exhibition will have a focus on the archaeological treasure of the North East, the complex questions it raises, and the important role it takes in understanding and shaping our shared heritage. 

We are looking for a gallery designer/maker with experience of working in a cultural setting who will enjoy having creative conversations with us, be willing to join us in risk taking to challenge ourselves and our visitors, and to push our resources as far as possible. 

The brief

This contract is for the design and build of the ‘Treasure’ exhibition, including the following: 

Liaison with curatorial, conservation, learning, design and GNM: H venue staff as required 
Design development (October 2025 – March 2026) 
Exhibition installation (1 March – 25 March 2026)  
Exhibition de-installation (21 September – 13 October 2026) 
Case layouts and object placement 
Physical interactive elements in the exhibition  
Digital interpretive and interactive elements (including audio, video and other) 
Exhibition graphics 
Text panels and labels 
Exhibition build 
Build of additional cases, plinths etc as necessary 
Donations boxes 
Signage outside exhibition entrance