The Moose Jaw Museum & Art Gallery has announced that it will remain closed to the public until further notice, despite being allowed to reopen as early as June 29 with the second part of Phase Four of the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan.
The decision mirrors those of the Moose Jaw Public Library and the Western Development Museum, who both announced shortly after the province’s press release on June 23 that they will also be delaying their reopening.
“We were under the impression that we would be back working in the gallery [with staff] in August, and basically open to the public in September,” said curator Jennifer McRorie. “Now that the phases have opened quicker than anticipated, we will move that timeline up, but we want to ensure the safety of community members and staff.”
As the MJMAG shares a building with the Moose Jaw Public Library, staff will be working in conjunction with each other and with the City of Moose Jaw to develop an appropriate safety plan for the future.
“There so many factors to consider so that the staff can operate in a safe manner and that the public can feel safe coming in and visiting our space,” said McRorie. “We want to take the time we need to prepare.”
McRorie is excited to see the gallery cleared to reopen, especially as the spring exhibits by Robert Froese and Peter Tucker were only available to view for a handful of weeks before the pandemic forced the gallery to close.
The MJMAG is aiming to reopen sometime in early August, if safety protocols can be confirmed by then, and it may consider doing a gradual reopening like many other public spaces.
“We may ask people to make an appointment to come in and tour the exhibits, so that we can prepare for numbers of people,” said McRorie. “We’re still kind of working out what the best practices will be.”
For now, the MJMAG will remain closed and continue to offer programming virtually for residents.
The virtual Summer Art & Culture Programs will continue as planned, beginning on June 29, and the MJMAG will continue with offering virtual art programs in partnership with local care facilities and through the new CreateABILITIES summer program for individuals with special needs & learning differences.
The upcoming fall exhibit from Marsha Kennedy is also still set to open on Oct. 1 as planned.
