By David Roach, vice president, Clifton School of Arts
Walk around to the rear of the iconic School of Arts building at Clifton and you will see a set of double doors leading … nowhere. The modest, two-storey brick building was erected in 1911 by volunteers – striking mine workers with time on their hands. It cost £100, the funds raised by public subscription. The original design called for two large light-filled rooms overlooking the ocean for meetings and lectures, a small reading library, space for an upright piano.
The community had plans in place for a second stage; those rear doors were to open into a large hall for dances and weddings. But before construction could commence the industrial dispute was settled and the miners went back to the pit. The decades that followed, the wars, economic downturns and global pandemics, meant that any plans for expansion were forgotten.
But throughout those difficult years a succession of committees kept the doors open and the School of Arts became central to the Clifton community,
a much-loved local institution.
110 years later, the building is still in community hands. Successive waves of new arrivals to the area have fallen in love with the modest institution and have helped to keep its spirit intact. Now, incredibly, the dream of completing the vision of the original founders is being revived.
Last year, the Clifton School of Arts was bequeathed $100,000 from the estate of philanthropist, Warren Halloran. Mr Halloran’s generosity meant that much-needed upgrades could be carried out, including new kitchen and bathroom facilities, new handrails and lighting.
In committee meetings the inevitable question came up, “What would it take to get plans for the rear hall back onto the drawing board?”
We formed a Planning Sub-Committee and reached out for input and ideas from CSA members and the local community.
Out of this process a design brief began to take shape. The original plans for the rear hall have been lost to history, but documents describe a building that was to take up the entire block from fence line to fence line. These days council planning regulations are much more sensitive to the needs of neighbours, with shadow lines, green spaces and accessible parking to consider. So we knew that whatever shape this new iteration ended up,
it would have to be smaller than the original.
Our design brief called for an energy-efficient pavilion utilising ecological sustainable materials that would be set back from, and complement, our existing heritage building. It would incorporate an elegant multi-function gallery space with accessible facilities and level access via covered walkways so that, at long last, patrons in wheelchairs and walkers could have access to the entire upper floor of the School of Arts. The new space will allow for exhibitions, workshops and community gatherings of all kinds. But how to proceed?
Just like 110 years ago, the community provided.
After decades of running a successful Sydney architectural practice and working with the likes of Harry Seidler, architect Tim Antiohos and his wife Kim settled in Wombarra. Kim became a member of the CSA. When the idea of completing the rear hall came up, Kim and Tim approached the committee, offering to carry out the entire design work pro bono. Tim says the reason for their offer is simple. Back in the 70s when he was desperate to study architecture but couldn’t afford to go to university, Gough Whitlam came to power and abolished university fees. Tim says that act changed his life and ever since he has looked for ways to give back to the community to repay the Whitlam Government’s generosity.
Tim’s plans show an elegant pavilion featuring Australian hardwoods and local stone. The roof appears to float on pointed, cruciform steel columns which, he says, reflect the history of steel-making in the Illawarra. Large glass doors open out onto a broad deck with sweeping views to the ocean and escarpment. Tim explains that his design embodies the geometry and “golden mean” proportions of the heritage building.
With the plans going through the development application process, the Clifton School of Arts committee is now turning its attention to fundraising opportunities.
Clifton has become a vibrant precinct in recent years. The Sea Cliff Bridge and the re-opening of the Imperial Hotel mean that an increasing number of visitors are being drawn to our spectacular part of the world. All the more important then that community-based, not-for-profit organisations like the Clifton School of Arts continue to serve the local area. By continuing to adapt to the changing needs of our community we intend to keep our doors open for at least another 110 years.
For more information or to become a volunteer or member, visit www.artsclifton.org
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
David Roach is a visual artist and award-winning screenwriter and director. His films have been released internationally, including the documentary Red Obsession (narrated by Russell Crowe), Beneath Hill 60 (starring Brendan Cowell) and The Surgeon and the Soldier about surgeon, Dr Munjed Al Muderis. David lives on the Illawarra coast with his wife, author and broadcaster, Caroline Baum. David is part of a team caring for and revitalising the lovely Clifton School of Arts.
