Introduction: A Note from the Author Are you thinking about producing an installation? This report aims to give you some help along to way. Focusing on three specific areas – design, materials, and impact/evaluation – the intention is to offer creative inspiration by asking questions about your possibilities and potential challenges and offering some examples of what has been done before. The key research questions are:
Is an installation the right choice? What are the creative possibilities for your installation’s design? What are the best materials for the job? How can you make the most of your installation? This report is organised chronologically and is intended to be used alongside the Hubbub Installation Checklist: Section 1 is to be used at the start of the planning process; Section 2 during the brief writing, artist section and design refinement; Section 3 during the materials selection and consideration of the installation afterlife; and Section 4 during the selection of location, documentation, and methods of creating impact. The approach taken here is largely driven by conversations with members of the Hubbub team. After speaking to multiple of project leads of past Hubbub installations, several takeaway messages emerged. These included questions of what an installation can achieve, a desire to find more creative approaches to installations that are more ephemeral, transportable and sustainable, and a need to have clear narratives and procedures that can lead to more concrete forms of change. I approached this task using my background as a Contemporary Art History researcher to identify case studies, interview designers, evaluate methods, designs, and materials, and provide you with some questions to consider along the way. It’s been a pleasure working with you for this time. Happy designing! Francesca
