BACKWARD GLANCE: The significance of the School of Arts Halls

As settlements began to grow on the Sunshine Coast residents called for the erection of a public hall – referred to as a ‘School of Arts Hall’ to provide the town with a centre for social and community activities including dances, weddings, parties, Queen Competitions, picture shows, boxing contests and music concerts. One of the main aims of a School of Arts was to provide a library.

Beerburrum School of Arts hall was built in 1915 and the library opened there in September 1917. The newly built hall became the hub of social life for the small community particularly at Christmas time when the communal Christmas tree became the focus for soldier settlers and their families to celebrate together.

Landsborough School of Arts was constructed in 1924 as a memorial to the Service personnel of the district from World War I. Landsborough was behind other towns in establishing a school of arts however once the decision was made, the community worked tirelessly to raise funds. In just over three months, a third of the cost had been raised.

Over the years many of the School of Arts halls have been adapted to meet changing conditions and many continue to have strong social and cultural significance for local residents and those in the surrounding districts. They have been the places of much laughter, sorrow, robust discourse and above all fellowship within the communities.

Thanks to the Sunshine Coast Council’s Heritage Library staff for the words and Picture Sunshine Coast for the images.

Beerwah-Peachester Sub-Branch R.S.S.A.L.A. annual ball at the School of Arts, Beerwah, 16 July 1962.

Beerwah District past and present senior citizens at the Beerwah School of Arts, 20 September 1975.
The group of senior citizens attended a Pioneer Lunch in the building as part of Beerwah’s celebrations to mark the 60th Anniversary of the School of Arts (1915-1975) and the Centenary of State Education.

Preparing stumps in Cribb Street for the construction of the Landsborough School of Arts and Soldiers Memorial Hall, Landsborough ca 1922.
Pictured include: Businessman and Shire Councillor John Tytherleigh (standing third from right). Tytherleigh donated the land for the hall.

Landsborough School of Arts and Soldiers Memorial Hall stump capping ceremony flyer, 24 November, 1923.
The stump capping ceremony was opened by R. J. Warren who succeeded in selling the stumps to the highest bidders who then donated the stumps to the hall funds. A concert and dance where over two hundred and sixty people attended was a great success.

Centenary-of-the-Beerburrum-Soldier-Settlement-at-the-Beerburrum-School-of-Arts-Beerburrum-2016.-3.jpg

Centenary of the Beerburrum Soldier Settlement at the Beerburrum School of Arts, Beerburrum, 2016. To celebrate the centenary of the Beerburrum Soldier Settlement an exhibition telling the stories of around 60 veterans was on display at the Beerburrum School of Arts.