GB-London: Lead Exhibition Designer, responsible for full design (3D, 2D, Lighting etc.) of new temporary touring exhibition for the National Maritime Museum

Royal Museums Greenwich (RMG) is seeking a lead designer to create a dynamic and innovative design for a new temporary exhibition to be housed in the Special Exhibitions Gallery at the National Maritime Museum.

Background to the exhibition: In 1987 the oldest, largest and most intact Chinese shipwreck was found off the coast of Guangdong Province, China. Amazingly well-preserved in mud and silt, archaeologists had uncovered a 'medieval' cargo ship containing over 180,000 items including beautiful ceramics, gold jewellery, money and raw materials. Coins found on board date the ship to the Southern Song dynasty (1127-1279), a sophisticated and innovative 'Golden Age' of Chinese history, some 800 years ago. The ship and its bountiful cargo was heading for the Middle East, set on a course to trade along the famous Maritime Silk Route. Following the discovery of the ship, it is now housed in a purpose-built museum in China, and the cargo has been excavated over the last 30 years. Work has recently begun on excavating the wreck itself which continues to reveal secrets. For further information on the shipwreck and its cargo: https://en.unesco.org/courier/oktyabr-dekabr-2017-g/crystal-palace-houses-shipwreck Alongside national and international loans, the exhibition, with working title 'Sunken Treasures from Song China', will bring together 300 of the ship's sunken treasures seen together outside of China for the first time. This must-see exhibition, which will tour to two international venues, will offer a fascinating glimpse into Chinese art, life, trade and commerce and reveal China's connections to the world through trade and cultural exchange.

Scope of services required: Lead Designer required to provide full design services (3D, 2D, theatrical, lighting) from concept stage to project completion, and will be responsible for the design team. We are asking the designer to produce a toolkit for touring venues, which makes it as straightforward as possible to reproduce the design, but it is not intended that this be a wholesale turn-key exhibition.

We require the design to create a series of immersive, narrative environments to bring to life this exciting period of Chinese history, the amazing shipwreck and its bountiful cargo. The successful designer will also find dramatic and artful ways to create a sense of mass display for similar types and multiples of small objects, whilst also giving attention to star objects.

RMG requires one contract to meet all of the above deliverables therefore organisations are encouraged to bid as a group (e.g. Lead consultant with a number of sub-consultants) if they cannot fulfil the whole scope of services in a single entity. AV design will be appointed at a later stage in consultation with the lead designer once an interpretation strategy has been developed.

Additional information: The contracting authority considers that this contract may be suitable for economic operators that are small or medium enterprises (SMEs). However, any selection of tenderers will be based solely on the criteria set out for the procurement.Indicative Procurement Schedule:

SSQ returns deadline: Thurs 28th Nov 2019, 12 midday;

Restricted ITT out (shortlisted companies): Wed 4th Dec 2019;

ITT returns: Wednesday 15th Jan 2020;

Interview, evaluate, appoint: w/c 20th Jan- 31st Jan 2020

Kick-off with Design Team: Mon 3rd Feb 2020