Regional NSW arts organisation NORPA (Northern Rivers Performing Arts) has shared its innovative vision for a new home, housed in the historic Hampton & Larsson timber factory in the centre of Lismore, and referred to as The Joinery.
NORPA has been adrift since the devastating floods of 2022 caused extensive damage to the organisation’s previous base at Lismore City Hall. The organisation says these unprecedented floods didn’t just destroy buildings, they threatened to wash away stories, shared experiences and the region’s very identity.
Aimed at creating a new cultural hub for the performing arts in the region, the latest initiative seeks to transform a historic 3,000 square metre Lismore timber factory into a flood-resilient arts incubator, setting a precedent for how the arts can drive community renewal in the face of climate disasters.
In collaboration with award-winning Sydney based architects CHROFI, The Joinery’s proposed design includes the use of robust and hard-wearing materials that can withstand inundation, elements to allow the free passage of floodwaters and debris to reduce damage as well as maximising the building’s capacity to dry out quickly.
Working with the elements
‘The Joinery project is an opportunity to embrace creativity and innovation in flood resilience,’ said CHROFI Director John Choi.
‘Rather than resisting the elements, we see this as a chance to work with them – designing spaces that not only provide shelter during flood events but also invite and engage the Lismore arts community.
‘At the heart of this vision is the building itself, rich in character and history. Its bones and fabric hold a beauty that makes it an inspiring backdrop for creative expression,’ he said.
NORPA Executive Director Libby Lincoln said, ‘NORPA is embedded in the Lismore community, the town is in our DNA and we’re committed for the future. The Joinery location places us at the heart of town, directly contributing to its energy and economy.
‘This new home for NORPA will be a creative catalyst for the region’s many artists, for First Nations perspectives and for community-driven projects that celebrate the region’s unique identity and collective healing journey. It’s a big ambitious project and that’s right in NORPA’s wheelhouse.’
NORPA says The Joinery embodies the organisation’s trademark ability to adapt unique locations into performance spaces, while providing the company with a much-needed permanent home.
Once completed, the building’s design offers professional space for artists to rehearse and create work for regional and national presentation. Large versatile contemporary spaces support a range of activities, from live performances to workshops and programs that reflect the Northern Rivers’ unique stories and creative vibrancy.
More than a building
NORPA’s artistic director Julian Louis says The Joinery will be able to accommodate multiple resident companies and also attract national and international visiting artists.
‘This is much more than a building; it’s a commitment to our region, fuelling new opportunities for the role of the arts in disaster recovery and forging partnerships beyond the arts – with community, social and commercial organisations,’ he said.
‘Our long-term vision involves adapting it into a contemporary cultural facility that is nationally recognised and reflects the bold creativity of our region.’
NORPA’s 2024 work, My Cousin Frank will be taking local stories to a national stage at next month’s Adelaide Festival. NORPA’s sell out productions include Love for One Night at the Eltham Hotel, Flow in Lismore and Maclean, and Wildskin in Lismore.
NORPA is currently seeking to raise $600,000 to purchase the Hampton & Larsson site. They say every dollar raised will contribute to transforming this historic site into a beacon of creative innovation and recovery.
NORPA’s Artistic Associate Heather Fairbairn said, ‘Theatre is a collaborative artform and you need two elements to make it: people and space. We already know from NORPA’s existing body of work that there are many incredible interdisciplinary creatives in the Northern Rivers.
‘We have the people, now we just need the other part of the equation: the space to make the work,’ she said.
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