OUR (BIG CHEESEY)
BACK STORY!
A Historical Local Landmark, Transformed.
In 1925, local farmers and the Bodalla Company formed the Bodalla Co-operative Cheese Society. They constructed the Bodalla Cheese Factory and operated through much of the 20th Century servicing Bodalla and the wider Eurobodalla region.
Up until the 1980’s, it remained a local landmark of the South Coast dairy industry with many South Coast locals & travelling visitors holding fond memories of visits to the cheese factory to enjoy a cold milkshake or watch the cheese being made. In 1987, the milk supply for the region shifted to Bega and the factory ultimately closed production.
Though the factory ceased operations and stood unused for many years, its bones and stories are carried forward through its industrial character.
Tjjeerd & Mary
Overlooking the green landscape of and surrounding rolling hills the Bodalla Arts Factory catches the eye of all who travel the NSW South Coast.
The iconic Bodalla Cheese Factory is now restored and transformed into a vibrant hub for the arts, thoughtfully honouring the building’s rich history. Founded by artist Mary Anderson with support from Tjjeerd, The Bodalla Arts Factory was created with the thoughtful preservation of its history in mind.
Back in 2023, Mary had the simple idea that she'd love an art studio... a place to make a mess and be creative. As the idea took shape, she began to imagine a space that could be opened up to everyone. A shared space for people to share art, collaborate, and connect with one another. With its honest, working character, it was a natural choice to transform & share their home, the old Bodalla Cheese Factory, into their dream.
Tjjeerd grabbed hold of the idea (& tools) and ran with it, the result is a beautiful arts space unlike anything else; it's a working studio for Mary, a place for workshops and an amazing and unique gallery with a difference.
This arts venue is about more than a building. It is about identity, connection, and creativity - offering the Eurobodalla region a dedicated space for art, classes, community, heritage, and culture.
Whether you’re an artist or an art-enthusiast, the Bodalla Arts Factory provides an adaptable & inspiring space for workshops & exhibitions designed to spark creativity & connection with featuring Artists Exhibitions, open studio days, & a calendar of hands-on workshops throughout the year for all abilities & skill levels.
“Art is one of the ways we remember, reinterpret and re‑inhabit place. I want this old cheese factory to speak of its past, as much as inspire its future.” - Mary Anderson
Now a place to create & Showcase . . .
Click on image above for tour
