The School of Arts is celebrating its 111th anniversary, writes Dawn Crowther
The land where the iconic Clifton School of Arts building now stands was originally owned by Coal Cliff Colliery and occupied by the Clifton Police station horse stables. When the block was gifted to the people of Clifton in 1910, the horses were moved and construction began. The School of Arts was under the Trusteeship of two Clifton citizens: local store owner Harry Caiger JP and Coal Cliff Colliery manager Patrick Carrick. Upon completion, the impressive building quickly became a cornerstone of the community and has remained so ever since.
Many people presume the building is on Crown land or is managed by our local council. In fact, the CSA has always been community owned and the members of Clifton School of Arts Incorporated are actual Trustees of the building.
In 1996 the CSA’s historic building was deemed ‘in danger of demolition’ by local authorities. A membership of 80 locals banded together under a new committee to try and save the structure. At a public meeting chaired by Liz Ellis, secretary Glenys Ivory and treasurer Mick Dignam, new Trustees were elected – Liz Ellis, Sheona White, Michael Cook, Ronald (Mick) Dignam, Don Robertson and Ian Gentle.
The Management Committee included Lyn Busch, Maryann Maher, Kath Bearsby, John Ranger, Jolyon Sykes, Glenys Ivory, Robyn Perry and Ernie Valbusa.
Two years later, Clifton School of Arts Inc. came into being, ensuring that the CSA would always be under the trusteeship of members. The trustees then began the hard work of raising funds for the restoration. There were car boot sales, sausage sizzles, raffles, pie drives as well as donations of artwork by renowned CSA ‘artist in residence’ Ian Gentle. Volunteers created calendars, screen-printed CSA t-shirts and framed old photos from Clifton to sell.
Restoration work was completed in 2003 and subsequent committees and members have kept this Local Heritage Building in a pristine state so it can continue to serve the local community.
In 2020, the members’ commitment to preserving this beautiful building was recognised by a generous bequest of $100,000 by the late Warren Halloran AM. A realtor and philanthropist, Mr Halloran had apparently been noting the ongoing maintenance and community involvement in the CSA since its reopening in 2003.
The history of the building’s first 100 years is recorded in Cornerstone of a Village (2012), published by the CSA. A new book, Chronicles from Clifton (2021), continues that history and includes many fascinating local stories. Both books may be purchased online at artsclifton.org or from The Imperial at Clifton, local newsagents and Collins Booksellers Thirroul.
On 16 and 17 July, Clifton School of Arts will be celebrating our 111th Anniversary. An exhibition of historical photographs, film, maps, artefacts and documents will be open to the public from Monday, July 18.
