Bradford film museum looks out for designers

Bradford’s National Museum of Photography Film & Television may seek at least 15 consultancies to work on Imaging Frontiers, a 13.25m project focusing on the digital age.

The project was awarded 7.6m from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Arts Council last week, having received 3.5m from the European Community and 150 000 from the Foundation for Sports and the Arts. The remainder will be raised privately.

Six architects have been shortlisted from the 50 practices which approached the museum. An announcement is imminent, and the chosen practice will work in tandem with design groups.

The project encompasses a new building which will link the museum’s two existing separate buildings. It is expected to open in 1998.

The new building will include 15 sections.”We’re treating each one as an independent component, which may mean we’ll need 15 different designers,” says museum deputy head Tony Sweeney.

One consultancy may be appointed as overall co-ordinator, another taken on to design graphics. A new logo is unnecessary, according to Sweeney.

Designers for “some of the most important” galleries will be appointed over the next two months.

“We’re looking for originality. We may approach specialist exhibition designers, but we’re open to all creatives, not just established ones,” says Sweeney, who is unable to comment about pitch details at this stage.

Features exhibited will include a special effects showcase, access to virtual reality techniques and a collection of early cinematography equipment.