Narooma Arts Centre Project

The Narooma Arts Centre will be a contemporary facility, built on Narooma School of Arts land. The proposed new building demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to its principal purpose: to hold, manage and enhance School of Arts’ land and facilities on behalf of the community and its members for the cultivation of Literature, Sciences and the Creative and Performing Arts now and for the future.

Deeded the land in 1895, the NSoA is now on the brink of a new chapter after securing funds through the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery (BLERF) grants in 2020. What appeared straight forward back in 2020 became a much more complex prospect as the volunteer Management Committee and its NAC Sub Committee carefully navigated the vagaries of funding bodies, grant requirements, and the impacts of Covid on the global building industry.

In July 2024, the NSoA submitted its final building design for Development Approval (DA) to the Eurobodalla Shire Council. Designed by Congo based architects TAKT Studio for Architecture, this building is single level, compact, accessible and sustainable. The community is invited to view the DA on the Eurobodalla Shire Council website here. 

Image: Sketch of the terrain. Credit: TAKT Studio for Architecture

The Site

Located in the heart of Narooma, the new building will acknowledge its location with long views north along the coastline. To the west, the building orients its windows towards Gulaga, a remnant volcano and an everlasting spiritual place to the people of the Yuin Nation.

The existing Narooma Gallery building will give way to the new centre which will sit between the NSoA Narooma Soldier’s War Memorial Hall, which now houses the iconic Kinema, and the cottage (studios). 

Image: Site analysis overview. Credit: TAKT Studio for Architecture

The Centre

This new space is dedicated to fostering creativity, learning and community engagement. It will offer exhibition and learning programs that will inspire and accommodate individuals of all ages and abilities.

Visitors to the Centre will find a new purpose built gallery sitting just behind a cafe which will face onto Campbell Street (Princes Highway). A breezeway will lead into a large sun filled studio overlooking the Wagonga estuary, with pedestrian links to the original cottage.

The new building is designed on a single level between gallery and studios. Ramped pathways and a lift from a lower level carpark ensure that access is a priority for this building. 

Images: Above: TAKT Site Plan; Top right: Model showing the internal of the gallery from above; Bottom right: Model view looking into the studio at the rear of the building. Credit: TAKT Studio for Architecture

The business

Foster Creativity: Our programs will nurture artistic expression and innovation, allowing individuals to explore new interests and hone their skills.

Support a healthy, active, engaged and diverse community.

Build Community: Connect with fellow artists and enthusiasts in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Contribute to the regional economy.

Lifelong Learning: We will offer continuous learning opportunities for all ages, promoting personal and professional growth.

Contribute and foster knowledge of the arts in the region.

Join Our Programs: Enroll in classes or workshops that match your interests. 

Volunteer: Support our events and initiatives by becoming a volunteer.

Become a Member: Stay connected, hear about events and programs first, enjoy members benefits and support our governance by joining a committee.

Help sustain an accountable not-for-profit enterprise.

Stay Connected

The Narooma Arts Centre is more than just a place, it is a community dedicated to the arts and learning. We invite you to join us on this exciting journey.

Images: Top: Model showing the view from Campbell Steet; Bottom: Model view of the rear of the building. Credit: TAKT Studio for Architecture