The School of Arts Movement
The School of Arts is a movement that began in the early 1800s, with the advent of the industrial revolution. Technological advances required a more educated workforce, but with universities restricted to the elite, the working class needed a new model for adult education which led to wealthy citizens establishing Schools of Arts. These institutes provided for working class members with lectures, libraries, and recreational activities.
A Spirit of Independence
The Newtown School of Arts was founded by Newtown resident Thomas Hold in 1858 with the vision that NSoA “would bring the rich man’s greatest luxury within the reach of the poorest.” With Holt, Newtown’s local businessmen pooled together, creating an independently run space built by the community for the community. The use of this building at 5 Eliza has evolved over decades to serve its community - it has been used for wartime homecomings, a pop up hospital in the 1918 Spanish flu Pandemic, canary shows parties, dances, and other public events.
An enduring legacy
For over 100 years, NSoA at 5 Eliza has remained under Trust management for its original purpose as a major hub of both recreational and educational activities for the community. Our current vision is to create and foster a building alive with performing and visual arts practitioners that, in contemporary terms, revitalises and furthers the founding ideas and principles of the School of Arts movement.
Home to visual artists studios and more to come, 5 Eliza is buzzing with artistic enterprise morning to night.
Download our History Book
For a comprehensive look into the history of the Newtown School of Arts, download our A History of The Newtown School of Arts: A Local Mosaic from 19th Century to 21st Century written by contemporary historian Chrys Meader.
A copy of this history book is also available to purchase. Please contact coordinator@5eliza.com.au to find out more.
Make a donation.
If you would like to donate to our project or learn more about how we use our donations, please contact admin@5eliza.com.au
