NORPA’s bold new vision

NORTHERN Rivers Performing Arts (NORPA) has launched a campaign to raise $600,000 for a permanent home and to create a centre of artistic and cultural excellence in Lismore.

The innovative vision aims to create a new cultural hub for the performing arts in the region by transforming the historic Hampton & Larsson timber factory into a flood-resilient, world-class arts incubator.

Intrinsic to the plan for ‘The Joinery’ is to set a powerful precedent for how the arts can drive community renewal in the face of climate disasters.

NORPA executive director Libby Lincoln said the company was committed to the future and that the town was embedded in the its DNA.

“The location places us at the heart of town, directly contributing to its energy and economy,” Lincoln said.

“This new home 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,” she said.

NORPA’s artistic director Julian Louis said it was much more than a building.

“It’s a commitment to our region,” Louis said.

“It’s fuelling new opportunities for the role of the arts in disaster recovery and forging partnerships beyond the arts – with community, social and commercial organisations.

“Our long-term vision involves adapting it into a contemporary cultural facility that is nationally recognised and reflects the bold creativity of our region,” he said.

Behind the trailblazing design is Sydney-based architecture firm CHROFI. The adaptive, flexible and resilient design uses robust materials to withstand inundation and structural elements to allow the free flow of floodwaters. It also increases the building’s capacity to dry out after a weather event.

CHROFI John Choi said the project was an opportunity to embrace creativity and innovation in flood resilience.

“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,” Choi said.

“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.”

For more information, to donate or sign the community support petition, visit norpa.org.au/a-new-home