History - Carclew, South Australia

OVER 30 YEARS OF PROVIDING QUALITY ARTS EXPERIENCES

Carclew’s history dates back to the very beginnings of colonisation in South Australia. The acre of land on which this impressive building stands is on the traditional land of the Aboriginal 'Kaurna' people of the Adelaide Plains. It was originally sold in the first Adelaide land sales of 1837, and was resold in 1840 to James Chambers, who built the earliest dwelling on the site. The wall surrounding the original house is still standing, as are the stone stables along the northern boundary.

James Chambers became wealthy in his new country, offering an extensive carrying service throughout Adelaide and inland areas. With the wealth he gained from providing such efficient transport, he was able to sponsor the expedition of his friend, the surveyor John McDouall Stuart, who successfully crossed this vast continent for the first time that was unknown to the European eye. The starting point for the long journey was James Chambers’ house, and a plaque on the front garden wall commemorates the event.

Carclew occupies the site of the residence of James Chambers whence the McDouall Stuart exploring expedition started on 25th October, 1861, on the successful crossing of the continent of Australia. The members had lunch in the house and, mounted on their horses filed out of the north-western gate. The wall now surrounding the property existed at the time.

After Chambers’ death in 1862, the property was acquired by Sir Hugh Dennison, a wealthy businessman and member of Parliament, who demolished the original house. In 1897, Dennison built the present, far grander home, reminiscent of the German Rhine Castles, even to the round stone tower. He called the house ‘Stalheim’ (possibly due to the old stables on the property).

Dennison moved interstate in 1908, selling his home to Sir Langdon Bonython. Sir Langdon renamed the building ‘Carclew’ after the area in Cornwall where his ancestors had lived, and it remained the family home until the death of Sir Langdon’s youngest daughter, Ada, in 1965.

CARCLEW - A CENTRE FOR THE ARTS

Carclew ceased to be a private home at that time, and was purchased by the Adelaide City Council with assistance from the State Government. Plans were prepared to build a large Festival Hall on the site, but this idea was rejected in favour of the magnificent Adelaide Festival Centre, which now stands alongside the city and the River Torrens. Carclew remained unused, but still standing.

In 1971, it was announced by the premier, Don Dunstan, that Carclew would become a centre for creative activities by or for young people.

In 1976, the management team were charged with developing the centre as a place for multi-arts activity for young people. To reflect this role, the name of Carclew Youth Arts Centre was adopted. For the next few years the centre provided learning programs in the arts with a staff of artist-tutors. Courses were run for school students of all ages, and recreational programmes were offered during holidays, on weekends and after school.

After several years of rapid developments in youth performing arts activity in South Australia, the State government initiated an Enquiry into Youth Performing Arts, which looked carefully at existing services and activity. The report concluded that Carclew should become the focal point for Youth Performing Arts in South Australia, a creative administrative hub of resources, projects, policy and support for youth performing arts.

In 1980, the South Australian Youth Arts Board (SAYAB) was appointed by the Minister of Arts, Murray Hill, responsible for overseeing the development of this exciting and important part of life and learning throughout South Australia.

To mark the establishment of Carclew as Australia's major centre for youth arts, the new Carclew Youth Arts Centre was officially opened by Murray Hill on 13 February, 1982. The opening signified the beginning of a new era of development and support for youth arts, a most vital area of the arts.

Since 1982, Carclew has expanded itself to cover the broad spectrum of youth arts, and now delivers eight outstanding programs an all art forms, engaging thousands of children and young people across South Australia.

Over the years a unique model has emerged. Driven by State Government Youth Arts Policy, SAYAB's objectives are met through a symbiotic and pro-active relationship between the board and it's program arm, Carclew Youth Arts.

SAYAB has two distinct arms:

  • FUNDING ARM - SAYAB Grants program funding arts activity for, by and with children and young people;
  • PROGRAM ARM - Carclew Youth Arts that co-ordinates projects, events, workshops and training for children and young people.

 
SAYAB supports excellence and equity through:

  • Statewide program funding supporting an innovative youth performing arts infrastructure;
  • Project and development funding supporting innovative activities across all art forms;
  • Scholarships, awards, traineeships, mentorships and industry development programs;


Carclew Youth Arts is a key agency implementing the vision of SAYAB through;

  • Statewide programs across all art forms, offering community access and participation;
  • the provision of a multi-functional youth arts centre and facilities;
  • a fully equipped theatre dedicated to children and young people (The Odeon);
  • Strategic partnerships, programs and projects with the Department of Education and Children's Services which support and enrich pre-schools, schools Arts curriculum;
  • Strategic partnership programs with local and state government authorities, regional agencies, and other government and non-government stakeholders.