CAARP
Cinema and Audience Research Project

The original School of Arts Hall was constructed in 1871 with a larger adjoining hall incorporating gallery being added in 1926 (Parkinson 2005, p. 49).
Moving pictures were first exhibited from the hall in 1989 courtesy of Mr J. B. Wakely of Sydney. A variety of different travelling picture shows continued to visit the township throughout the first two decades of the twenty-first century. Permanent exhibition did not take place however until the 1930s by which date all cinematic screenings had shifted to the new hall which was fitted with a projection box and equipment. Regular exhibition continued until the cinema closed in 1965 (Parkinson 2005, p. 51).

The cinema re-opened in 1977and closed in 1992 when proprietors John and Sue Kasoulis shifted their operations to the purpose built Arcadia Twin Cinema in the nearby town of Ulladulla (Narrawallee Info 2002) Arcadia Twin Cinemas The School of Arts Hall is still in use as a centre for a wide range of community-based ventures.

Reference:
Narrawallee Info, 2002, ‘Arcadia Twin Cinemas 10th Birthday’ http://www.narrawallee.info/arcadiatwin.html accessed 13 March 2011
Parkinson, R. J 2005, Silver Screen in the Shoalhaven, Robert James Parkinson, Sydney.