Shanaya Cunningham
Design and Exhibitions Manager
Ōtepoti local Shanaya turned a student internship into a career designing bold, creative exhibits that make the Museum’s stories visually unforgettable.
Ōtepoti Roots and Creative Beginnings
Kia ora, I’m Shanaya Cunningham, Design and Exhibitions Manager here at Tūhura Otago Museum. I was born and raised in Ōtepoti Dunedin and have never left—partly due to family and career, but mostly because you really can’t beat this city.
I went to Otago Girls’ High School, where I was deeply involved in the arts, culture, and photography. That passion led me to a Bachelor’s Degree in Design and Visual Communication at Otago Polytechnic, where I found my stride. I was initially drawn to studying art, but the communication design programme opened up a practical and exciting pathway to work creatively in a real-world context.
From Student to Museum Professional
I never imagined I’d work in a museum. But during my first year at Polytech, I applied for a work experience elective here at Tūhura. That led to a paid internship during my studies, and soon after graduation, I was offered a full-time role. I’ve been here ever since, growing alongside the Museum and exploring all that exhibition and design work has to offer.
Designing for Wonder
As Design and Exhibitions Manager, I lead the design and delivery of exhibitions and displays—both within the Museum and beyond. My team also handles marketing collateral and manages the visual consistency of our permanent galleries.
While the structure of projects stays relatively consistent, the subject matter is quirky, fun, and ever changing. One moment I’m figuring out how to mount a delicate object, and the next I’m judging a photography competition or reimagining the layout of a gallery space.
People are often surprised by what my role involves. When I explain it, the usual response is: “Wow, I’d never thought about who does that behind the scenes!”
A Biscuit with a Backstory
My favourite item in the Museum is a humble Huntley & Palmers cracker, made in England and souvenired from Antarctica before 1911. It was part of Robert Falcon Scott’s supplies during his final expedition. He even wrote to the company from Cape Evans, noting the biscuits gave “every satisfaction”, though many arrived cracked.
It’s such a peculiar object to be in the collection, and yet it represents an iconic moment in the history of exploration. It’s small, it’s odd—but it tells a big story.