Tour Preparation & Venue Coordination, Project Management, Freight & Logistics, Installation & Deinstallation Management, Host Kits, Floor Planning, On-site Staff Training & Technical Support
Production & Fabrication:
Artifact Management, Exhibition Tour Documentation
Overview:
Flying Fish partnered with the Japanese American National Museum (JANM) to bring three impactful exhibitions to audiences worldwide: Perseverance: Japanese Tattoo Traditions in a Modern World, Tatau: Marks of Polynesia, and Before They Were Heroes. These exhibitions explore cultural identity, artistic traditions, and historical narratives, offering visitors a deeper understanding of Japanese American and Polynesian heritage. Through expert tour management, Flying Fish expanded JANM’s reach, ensuring these exhibitions engaged diverse audiences across multiple venues.
Scope:
Flying Fish provided comprehensive services to manage and enhance these exhibitions for touring:
Consultation & Licensing:
We worked closely with JANM to develop strategic partnerships and expand the exhibitions' presence in cultural institutions and museums. Our team led venue bookings, sales, and marketing efforts to ensure broad accessibility. Financial modeling and budget forecasting helped create sustainable revenue streams, while our intellectual property management expertise ensured the integrity and protection of exhibition content.
Tour Management & Operations:
Flying Fish managed every aspect of the touring process, from freight logistics and installation coordination to venue support and on-site training. We created detailed host kits and floor plans tailored to each institution and provided technical guidance to maintain the exhibitions' impact at every stop. Our ongoing support included staff training and troubleshooting, ensuring a smooth and engaging visitor experience.
Production & Fabrication:
We facilitated artifact handling and exhibition documentation to maintain each exhibition's historical and cultural integrity. Our expertise in tour documentation allowed host venues to present the exhibitions while preserving their authenticity accurately.
Impact:
Expanding Cultural Awareness:
These exhibitions provided invaluable insight into Japanese and Polynesian cultural traditions, historical narratives, and artistic expressions. By bringing these exhibitions to museums globally, Flying Fish amplified the voices and stories of underrepresented communities, fostering dialogue and appreciation for cultural heritage.
Institutional Success & Audience Engagement:
Through Flying Fish’s tour management, Perseverance: Japanese Tattoo Traditions in a Modern World, Tatau: Marks of Polynesia, and Before They Were Heroes have exceeded attendance expectations at multiple venues. Their immersive storytelling and powerful narratives have resonated deeply with visitors, generating substantial media coverage and social engagement.
Touring & Revenue Growth:
Flying Fish’s strategic planning has helped JANM establish a successful touring exhibition program, creating new opportunities for collaboration and expanding its influence beyond its Los Angeles home. The exhibitions generated revenue through touring partnerships, ensuring long-term financial sustainability and continued cultural impact.
Flying Fish’s expertise in traveling exhibitions has helped JANM share these vital stories internationally. By combining strategic planning, expert logistics, and audience-driven storytelling, we’ve shared lasting experiences that celebrated history, art, and identity while broadening JANM’s reach and impact.
Gallery:
Tours
Before They Were Heroes: Sus Ito’s World War II Images
Perseverance: Japanese Tattoo Traditions in a Modern World
Tatau: Marks of Polynesia
