About the CSA

About Us

For over 140 years, Clifton School of Arts has been a creative and cultural heart of the Illawarra, bringing people together through art, ideas and community.

Who We Are

Creativity. Community. Connection.

Perched above the Pacific on Dharawal Country, Clifton School of Arts is a place where art, ideas and community meet.

We’re more than a heritage building, we’re a living, evolving hub for creativity in the Northern Illawarra. Exhibitions, workshops, performances, classes, conversations: every event held here builds on a proud tradition that began in 1880 and continues to grow.

Today, CSA inspires and supports a diverse program of cultural, educational and community activity, celebrating local talent, welcoming fresh perspectives, and fostering connection across generations.

We’re here for artists, audiences, and everyone in between. We believe creativity is essential to a thriving community and fundamental to our shared humanity.

With a spirit of collaboration and care, we aim to make CSA inclusive, sustainable, and welcoming to all, now and into the future.

The CSA has a soul—it has a history of people coming together for reasons of community and the appreciation of art, and I think that vibe makes itself felt down the ages. You don’t get that from a contemporary box in a suburb.

Anonymous

How We’ve Evolved

Over the past decade, Clifton School of Arts has undergone a quiet transformation, evolving from a beloved heritage building into a fully equipped contemporary arts space. With professional gallery lighting, high-speed broadband, a renovated kitchen and bathroom, brand new roof, improved parking and exterior lighting, the building is now immaculate, accessible, and ready for its next exhibition, performance, or community event. While its foundations are steeped in history, CSA stands today as a vibrant, modern venue, purpose-built for creativity to thrive.

Watch Community Hands – Clifton School of Arts

Find Out More

CSA History

Built by striking miners and revived by community spirit, discover the remarkable story behind Clifton School of Arts.

The Committee

Clifton School of Arts is owned and maintained by the community and is managed by a Committee of dedicated volunteer local residents.

Policies & Reports

At Clifton School of Arts, we are committed to transparency, good governance, and long-term vision.

Stay In The Loop! Sign up to the CSA Newsletter