CAARP
Cinema and Audience Research Project

The Nowra School of Arts Hall was designed by Cyril Blackett and built between 1892/1893 as a venue for communal social and cultural activities (Thorne, Tod and Cork 1996, p. 301). On 12 April 1897, the building became the site of the first demonstration of the moving pictures courtesy of the Edison Cinematographe and Elite Concert Company. Throughout the following decade a variety of travelling picture companies, including the Salvation Army Limelight Department, exhibited at the hall on a regular basis. A permanent cinema, West’s Theatre opened in 1913 thus providing townsfolk with an alternate venue and within 12 months the School of Arts Hall had returned to its former usage as a venue for dances, live shows and meetings (Parkinson 2005, pp. 12-17).

The hall was again used for the exhibition of film from February 1918 to late 1920 when George Frew’s established a permanent cinema, Nowra Pictures, in the School of Arts hall. After a further closure the Nowra Theatre was reopened in the mid-1920s by former competitor Frank West however pictures were screened on Saturdays. Weekly exhibition continued until late 1930 when the cinema closed permanently (Parkinson 2005, p. 17).

The School of Arts hall continues to be used a district social amenity and has been classified by the National Trust. Thorne, Tod and Cork describe the building as “a two tier multi-purpose hall of the late 19th century, with some rare or unique design features.” These include a “deep horseshoe balcony with cast-iron lacework belied ogge balustrade” and a ceiling with a “central barrel-vaulted section” (1996, p. 301).

References:
Parkinson, R. J 2005, Silver Screen in the Shoalhaven, Robert James Parkinson, Sydney.

Thorne, R, Tod, L & Cork, K 1996, Movie Theatre Heritage Register for New South Wales 1896 – 1996, Department of Architecture, University of Sydney, Sydney.