ABOUT THE SCHOOL OF ARTS

The Nimmitabel School of Arts Inc is the representative organisation of the arts located in Nimmitabel town and the surrounding district. The School of Arts is registered as a non-profit association under New South Wales jurisdiction.

HISTORY OF NIMMITABEL SCHOOL OF ARTS

MORE THAN JUST A HALL

During the late 1800s there were few schools in the area, but strong interest in learning craft, trades and fine arts. Most training was undertaken in homes or at workshops and soon an informal school of arts was formed. Initially this comprised spinners, weavers, blacksmiths, music, poetry and limited painting. By the 1890s there was a call to formalise activities so the community built a hall which was completed in May 1901, opening with the first Nimmitabel Ball. Subsequent development of schools and other arts learning options saw the School of Arts mostly recognised as this hall, which fell into disrepair. The building was utilised for storage in the filming of the Sundowners and was substantially renovated in 1963-64 until it was handed over to the local council. The building was renamed as the Pioneer Memorial Hall.
During the late 1800s there were few schools in the area, but strong interest in learning craft, trades and fine arts. Most training was undertaken in homes or at workshops and soon an informal school of arts was formed. Initially this comprised spinners, weavers, blacksmiths, music, poetry and limited painting. By the 1890s there was a call to formalise activities so the community built a hall which was completed in May 1901, opening with the first Nimmitabel Ball. Subsequent development of schools and other arts learning options saw the School of Arts mostly recognised as this hall, which fell into disrepair. The building was utilised for storage in the filming of the Sundowners and was substantially renovated in 1963-64 until it was handed over to the local council. The building was renamed as the Pioneer Memorial Hall.

SCHOOL OF ARTS OBJECTIVES

The modern-day Nimmitabel School of Arts Inc was constituted in 2020 to the present proactive organisation it is today. As per its registered constitution, the objectives of the School of Arts are to:

  • Be a non-profit community based organization promoting arts activities in Nimmitabel and surrounding district;
  • Promote, organise and produce new and enhance existing and past activities, attractions and events in furtherance of such arts activities in Nimmitabel and surrounding district;
  • Raise funds with assistance of sponsors, grants and donations within viable budgets specifically to facilitate the financial requirements of immediate and future activities;
  • Assist during such School of Arts activities and events in fundraising for other accredited non-profit community beneficiaries; and
  • Operates without discrimination to gender, race, religion, disability or age to the extent such individual criteria do not impede or threaten its successful operations.

Members work cooperatively together to achieve these objectives in conjunction with other local community groups. We welcome inquiries and new members.