Gallery Archives - NORPA

The Joinery through Elise Derwin’s lens

Award-winning photographer Elise Derwin has returned to The Joinery to document the next stage of its transformation. In this second instalment of her ongoing photo essay, the focus shifts to the people behind the build — capturing moments of skill, concentration and collaboration as workers bring this future creative home to life.

These striking images offer a glimpse of the care and craftsmanship shaping The Joinery, and the collective effort helping realise a bold vision for the Northern Rivers.

View the full photo essay series.

Award-winning Australian photographer Elise Derwin has been invited to document the transformation of The Joinery across the coming year.

Based in Lismore, Elise’s practice centres on people and place — particularly regional communities shaped by crisis and long-term change. Her long-form, deeply human approach makes her uniquely placed to witness this moment of transition.

As The Joinery evolves from a historic timber factory into a flood-resilient, world’s best-practice arts hub, Elise will return to the site at key stages of the build. Her photo series will trace not just bricks and beams, but the labour, care, ambition and collective effort behind the transformation.

This unfolding body of work will become a visual archive — a record of change, resilience and renewal — capturing both the physical shift of the building and the spirit of the community reimagining it.

Part 1: November 2025
The first chapter begins with the building as it stands: marked by history, poised for change, and ready for its next life. Photos capture the beginning of repairs and preparations for our first private performance gathering in the space.