Major step forward - Council considering changing status quo

We have been patiently waiting, for many months, for Palmerston North City Council to let us know what will happen with the public Art Gallery.

Council is still not ready to consult on its redevelopment plans for the cultural precinct, so we must wait a little longer to have input into the future of the Art Gallery building.

Meantime, there has been a major move forward on the issue of how the Art Gallery is managed and run.

This coming Monday, Council will consider and vote on whether or not to seek public feedback on the following two options:

1.   Maintain status quo (under which Te Manawa Museums Trust will continue to have responsibility for the Art Gallery); or

2.   Bring responsibility in-house (meaning Council will take back responsibility for not just the Art Gallery, but for all the art, science and museum functions currently vested in Te Manawa Museums Trust).

This is a significant step forward.

It is to be hoped that Council will make the right decision, and agree to actively engage with the community on the best way forward from here.

I will keep you informed of progress. Meantime, thanks once again for the part you've played in helping to Save the Art Gallery in Palmerston North – your support has already made a real difference.​

​Warm regards,

​Bronwyn Zimmerman

PS: If you wish to view the relevant Council papers, click on the link below and scroll to item 8 (s17A Arts and Culture Review – Consultation on Options):

http://palmerstonnorth.infocouncil.biz/Open/2019/06/ART_20190617_AGN_8769_AT_WEB.htm