Vintage collectors to crowdfund computer museum
Gameplanet : Kiwi vintage game collectors hoping to crowdfund computer museum
The Woz is keen
A group of vintage computer and video game collectors is hoping to crowdfund some of the development of a New Zealand Computer Museum that will be situated on Auckland’s waterfront.
According to spokesperson Mark Barlow, the museum will be placed in Auckland’s Wynyard Quarter, and will feature continually evolving exhibits, regular guest speakers and events, and a cafe and bar.
Non-member entry will be single digits, members will get in for free.
“We would like to create a space that invites, informs and stimulates,” said Barlow.
The project has the backing of Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, who has agreed to come and speak at its launch.
The Institute of IT Professionals (formerly the New Zealand Computer Society) and Auckland University Computer Science Department are also on board.
According to the museum’s crowdfunding page, money is required for further development of the project proposal, the assembling of a project team, sponsorship proposals, the museum’s layout design, and the acquisition and restoration of several key exhibits.
“We are not trying to pay for everything upfront, but envisage the money raised will get us far enough to excite and entice sponsorship/investment to fund the full project,” it reads.
“In total probably several millions will eventually be required but this doesn’t all need to come from you.
“We will keep all our contributors engaged with a monthly email newsletter, online forum and regular ‘town meetings’ you are all encouraged to participate in.
“We don’t expect you to just give us some cash! We would like your cash AND your input and feedback as our plans coalesce and develop.”
The group hopes to open the museum in the next 12-18 months.
At the time of writing, the campaign has raised NZ$400 of its NZ$350,000 target, and has 67 days remaining.
