Five Kinds of “Maintenance”

When we develop our projects, we sometimes leave “maintenance” to others.

Someday. Later.

But if we don’t keep “maintenance” in mind, it will come back to haunt us — financially.

And do we think of maintenance as … cleaning? Repairing? Because there isn’t just one kind.

In fact, there are at least five.

1. Cleaning
Any public space needs regular cleaning. Mopping, dusting, vacuuming. (Raking? Mowing?) — Did we plan for enough cleaning staff?

2. Repairs
Anything people use will get slowly, lovingly … mutilated. Scratches, wobbly handles, missing floor tiles. — Did we get a repair contract?

3. Consumables
Consumables need constant resupply. Printer ink, post-its, balls for the [heavy sigh] ball pit. — Did we set up a regular restock order?

4. Replacements
Some things require regular replacement. Every month, every year, every 3. Projectors, upholstery, carpet. — Did we bump up the annual budget?

5. Content
Depending on the project, this could be the most expensive of all. An up-to-date timeline, a display of current newspaper front pages, portraits of the current officials. — Do we have the curatorial staff?

Here’s the thing:
It’s tempting to leave “maintenance” to others. Later. 

But to avoid some nasty financial surprises down the road, best to plan — for all five kinds.

Warmly,
Jonathan

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MtM Word of the Day:
Consumables. Supplies or materials that must be regularly replenished in an exhibition. For example: light bulbs, interactive kiosk printer ink, and post-it-notes. Unlike most of a new exhibition project, consumables are not a one-time cost. They are a repeating cost that must be budgeted.