A range of factors – the pandemic being one of them – has prompted the possible closure of Central Stories for the winter.

Alexandra and District Museum Inc chairperson Malcolm MacPherson said yesterday it was still just a proposal at this stage and would be discussed with one of the facility’s principal funders, the Vincent Community Board (VCB), next week.

The group felt the time could possibly be used to undertake a “major overhaul” of the Bodkin Gallery, something they had wished to do for many years.

Dr Malcolm MacPherson, chairperson of Alexandra and District Museum Inc.

“We haven’t got to the stage of drawing up a budget for that, it’s really very early days,” he said.

In a letter to stakeholders the group said they had found themselves in a “perfect storm” situation with a management transition, pandemic, low visitor numbers, restricted opening hours and empty art galleries.

If the facility closed for the winter, a project team may be set up and funds sourced to design and implement the upgrade of the Bodkin Gallery.

“We will also use this time to rethink our purpose and align ourselves better with our funders, supporters, mana whenua and the museum sector in Central Otago,” the letter stated.

The group planned to invite the Central Otago District Council, VCB, museum staff, board and the Museums Trust of Central Otago Trust to an April workshop. 

This would focus on helping find the best way to ensure a professional museum director or manager is able to be funded and employed in future.