MoPOP’s mission is to make creative expression a life-changing force by offering experiences that inspire and connect. Founded in 2000 by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen and Jody Patton, MoPOP exhibitions bring together cultural artifacts and immersive environments to tell the stories behind some of America’s favorite pop culture. 

DVDL is an active part of Vulcan’s team of consultants helping in exploring content strategies and expansion opportunities for MoPOP.

DVDL is working with MoPOP on a review of its potential programs and spaces, and has developed a substantial curatorial masterplan and design direction in collaboration with Vulcan leadership, staff, and the other consultants. DVDL’s work for MoPOP includes a two-phase process. Phase One consisted of five main research components: cultural forecasting, institutional analysis, peer competitive analysis, key performance indicators, and program and design analysis. All to give insight into the changes happening culturally, demographically, and behaviorally, and the impact those changes may have on the programs and experiences MoPOP offers. In Phase Two, DVDL developed a robust 10-year curatorial and programmatic masterplan, as well as a plan for its design process including a designer selection process.

“We hired DVDL while we were deep into plans to open a new pop culture museum in New York City. With a potential opening still three years away, David did cultural forecasting to anticipate what audiences would want and need by the planned opening in 2023. Building on his findings, he then led several inspiring workshops with me and local cultural creators to re-envision the exhibitions and public programs. David’s team developed a curatorial masterplan and from there a critique of the existing designs for existing exhibitions as well as for our overall architecture. The results were exciting and highly creative, and his process was always thoughtful and thought-provoking. I only wish I’d started working with David much earlier in the process to benefit from his research and insights.”  –Jasen Emmons, Curatorial Director, Museum of Pop Culture NYC    

-Intuitive assessments from a cultural and institutional context

-Horizon scans with qualitative and quantitative research and context interpretation

-Future scenarios and impact assessment

– Curatorial Masterplan development

– Program development 

– Peer Review Research

– Space / Design Analysis and future Space Needs

– International Design References Research 

– Pre Designer Selection Research 

– Design Selection Process development

– Long-List development