About SOATI

About SOATI

School of Arts, Tenterfield Incorporated is a not for profit incorporated community organisation responsible for managing the Museum and Theatre Cinema at the Sir Henry Parkes Memorial School of Arts.
Established in January 2025, SOATI was formed through a community driven process to ensure the continued operation and revitalisation of this nationally significant heritage building.
Our role is to safeguard the building and its collections while delivering vibrant cultural programming for the people of Tenterfield and visitors to the region.

Why SOATI Was Established

Following a period of inactivity during 2023 and 2024, a decision was made to transition the management of the Museum and Theatre Cinema to a community based organisation.

SOATI was created to:

• Provide stable and dedicated governance
• Support long term sustainability
• Re-energise programming and public engagement
• Strengthen partnerships across the region

A User Agreement between Tenterfield Shire Council, the National Trust and SOATI was signed in December 2025, with operational responsibility commencing from 2 January 2026.

Our Vision

To provide the Tenterfield community and visitors with a vibrant, multi functional venue that celebrates, supports and encourages the arts, history and culture through the operation of the Museum and Theatre Cinema.

Our Mission

To revitalise the Sir Henry Parkes Memorial School of Arts as a high quality venue for the promotion and appreciation of local and national heritage and entertainment.

Our Core Values

• Community inclusion and engagement
• Cultural respect and appreciation
• Educational enrichment
• Creative collaboration
• Financial responsibility

These values guide every decision we make.

Our Strategic Objectives

SOATI works to:

• Manage the operations of the Museum and Theatre spaces
• Support the maintenance and sustainability of the historic building and collections
• Foster and promote community use of the facilities
• Safeguard this nationally significant site for future generations
• Attract local, regional and national performances, events and exhibitions
• Support local creative talent
• Strengthen cultural tourism in Tenterfield
• Build diversified revenue streams including fundraising and sponsorship
• Develop strong relationships with Council, the National Trust, regional arts bodies and local business networks
• Deliver children and family friendly programming

Our Committee (2025-2026)

President
Kevin Markwell

Vice President
Richard Hicks

Secretary
Kerri Swain

Treasurer
Amanda Blair

Minutes Secretary
Jan Evans

General Committee Members
Jane I’Ons
Colleen Knight
Catherine Charlie Mains
Joe Marney
Peter Jeffrey

SOATI held its inaugural AGM in 2025 and continues to operate through an elected volunteer committee dedicated to transparent governance and community accountability.

Working With the Community

SOATI collaborates with:

• Artists and performers
• Schools and educational groups
• Local historians
• Community organisations
• Tourism and business networks

We welcome volunteers, partnerships and sponsorship opportunities that help ensure the continued success of the School of Arts.

Get Involved

The future of the Tenterfield School of Arts depends on community support.

You can assist by:

• Volunteering
• Donating
• Sponsoring events
• Becoming a member
• Attending performances and exhibitions

Together, we can ensure this historic venue remains active, inclusive and financially sustainable for generations to come.