Exhibitions that usually take 18 months to plan have been prepared in three, as MAMA adapts to the new COVID-19 world.
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The art museum was closed from March 23 to June 4, and in that time director Bree Pickering and her staff were readjusting six months of programming.
The final weeks of the National Photography Prize, which occurs every two years, was impacted by restrictions and upcoming exhibitions with international contributors have been adjusted.
"It [the prize] was open to the public for about three weeks," Ms Pickering said.
"The wonderful thing was, we were able to document it and put a virtual tour together.
"You take the wins with that; it definitely showed us we need to think about ways to reach our audience who can't come in person.
"Fingers crossed we reach some kind of equilibrium and we can move back to our program."
Ms Pickering said works from the MAMA collection are currently showing at the museum, including Lorraine Connelly-Northey's On Country.
"This is a brand new show - what we were meant to be doing, which we have postponed until next year, was a major exhibition with the Bogong Centre for Sound Culture," she said.
"Then in October, we've programmed a really amazing exhibition; we've commissioned 20 artists from across the country to make new work during this time.
"It's not specifically related to the pandemic - it's more related to changed times because it's been such a disruptive year in our region."
That disruption has seen the installation in QEII Square, "Summer Place", extended; bushfires and COVID-19 meant related activities did not take place.
The MAMA and Albury Council project designed by CHROFI has been shortlisted in the Australian Institute of Architects NSW Architecture Awards.
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Recognised for its role in facilitating conversation about climate change, the installation intends to make a hot area in summer accessible by reducing 50 per cent of the ultraviolet radiation, but only 10 per cent of light.
Ms Pickering said Summer Place, originally due to be taken down in March, would stay for this summer.
"The idea is that with it being open for longer, we'll be able to do some more exciting projects," Ms Pickering said.
"It is the only nomination in the small architecture project category from regional NSW.
"The thing about temporary architecture is it really focuses people's attention on public space. You always get a lot of different reactions."
The winner of the awards will be announced tomorrow.
