Description
The Exhibition Designer collaborates in exhibition development with many other members of the Design and Exhibitions Departments. Responsibilities include translating concepts into detailed 3D layout and 2D installation plan drawings, bidding fabrication of exhibition components, and supervising all phases of exhibition installation in collaboration with the Registrars and Curators.
Requirements
Essential Job Functions: The ideal candidate:
Participates in crafting the vision of an exhibition and collaborates with the team on aligning the interpretation with the institutional mission.
Works closely with curators, graphic designers, interpretation specialists, registrars, and preparators to bring the exhibit to life.
Design layouts, showcase furniture, and preliminary lighting plans for exhibitions.
Understands ADA compliance, methods of maintaining the security of the objects, maintaining exhibition flow, and the materials necessary to meet the conservation requirements of the objects.
Prepares detailed working drawings and instructions for the production of exhibition design elements.
Contracts with fabricators, vendors, and others involved in exhibition production and supervises the execution of contracted services.
Collaborates on exhibition graphics with the Graphic Designer.
Supervises gallery construction and other pre-installation site activities.
Together with the Registrar(s) and Curator(s), supervises the installation of the exhibition artwork.
Oversees the final lighting of the exhibition.
Participates in departmental budgeting.
Tracks project expenses compared to the budget.
Works effectively with interns.
Other responsibilities as required.
Skills and Abilities:
Proficiency in computer-aided design programs; Vectorworks is a plus.
Experience in designing art exhibitions with both two-dimensional and three-dimensional works from a wide range of time periods.
Experience in creating detailed drawings for production.
Able to meet deadlines and budgets efficiently.
Experience selecting and supervising contractors for exhibition materials, developing contracts, and managing their execution.
Experience in safe art handling and mounting techniques and standards.
Strong communication skills, both oral and written.
Ability to contribute creatively in a team-oriented workplace.
Ability to comfortably manage a broad array of projects simultaneously.
Detail and precision oriented.
Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Demands may include:
Climb ladders and stairs.
Work in hydraulic lifts and on scaffolding at up to 16’ from the ground.
Work extensively at a computer station (up to 6 hours per day).
Clearly distinguish subtle gradations of color and shading.
Stooping, kneeling, bending.
Work around paints, solvents, and other similar products in a workshop environment and around historic and art artifacts that may give off dust or off-gassing smells (taking all due precautions prescribed by OSHA regulations; the Center is equipped for safe handling of such materials).
Interested candidates should send their portfolio, résumé, references, and salary expectations to:
Frist Art Museum
919 Broadway
Nashville, Tennessee 37203
Email: shorn@fristartmuseum.org or Fax: (615) 744-3339
Attention: Sheri Horn, Human Resources Director
The Frist Art Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
2026
