Death of the Chocolate Factory

Mark Gerada is one of 30 visual artists who have been curated by Reg Lynch to offer up a new work for auction in benefit of Queen St Studio; a non-profit creative development and rehearsal space run by artists for artists.

Here, Mark tells Arts Hub wy the closure of the Chocolate Factory matters, and why he's participating in SpaceAID.

The Chocolate Factory houses various spaces for people to experiment and establish their work. It offers opportunities that would otherwise not be available in Sydney, especially in the realm of the extremely competitive real estate jungle of inner city Sydney.

The dynamic Chocolate Factory constantly changes and evolves. This state of flux allows for adaptability - somehow, the organism seems to take care of itself. A sense of frivolity, where no one takes themselves too seriously, allows for a comfortable environment for people to grow, learn and develop their practice that will eventually influence the culture of Sydney and wider. This sense of community is rare in Sydney. Part of the reason why this place is so successful is because of the communal support - equipment and resources are shared.

Under the one roof is a mixing pot of different people doing diverse things including artists (painters, sculptors, installation, video and sound), performers, musicians, film and documentary makers, writers and designers (architects and furniture). A record label and distribution business called Dual Plover even operated from the building. Many have gone on to do great things, just as many of the current occupants undoubtedly will.

International and interstate visitors have not only used the places such as Lanfranchis Memorial Discotheque (the major performance component in The Chocolate Factory) as a venue, but also as a place to stay. In this sense, the building has hosted cultural exchanges, setting up networks and connections between people and other places (especially Indonesia, Berlin and Melbourne).

From a performance aspect, notable events that have taken place in the building, include the Now Now Festival, Gang Fest and Choochabahn.

Musicians that have written, recorded, rehearsed and performed in The Chocolate Factory whilst members resided in the building have included The Mess Hall, Coda, Pony Club Massacre, Tracky Dax, The Binge Thinkers, Andy Clockwise, Tourettes, and Sneaky Sound System.

The Chocolate Factory is also an integral part of a local network that is almost gone now. Other performance spaces and galleries that The Chocolate Factory have liaised with include Space3, The Wedding Circle, Sydney, Mekanarky in the Turella Icecream Factory, The Presbytery, China Heights, Gallery 44, Hybernium House (including Knot Gallery, Frequency Lab and Plastic Bag), Medium Rare, Iceland, Maggotsville, Yvonne Ruve, The Pitz, The Cad Factory, Pelt, Peleton and Pigeon Ground Public. Many of these networks are now severed due to redevelopment and council closure.

The occupants of The Chocolate Factory received notice that they have to fully vacate the premises in 60 days as from April 24, 2007. The sad part is that the building's sale is dependent on the council approving the application for a 324-bed youth hostel. Even if the application is successful, it will stand vacant until construction begins.

As someone who has occupied the Chocolate Factory for six and a half years, I am currently compiling a book about the history of the building, featuring many of the characters that have inhabited and worked in the building over the past two decades, and the colourful events that have taken place. It is important to document this because, sadly, I feel like this is the end of one of Sydney's great treasures. Other cities have such places - now Sydney will not. This place is surely a cultural landmark for Sydney.

Mark Gerada (occupant of The Chocolate Factory from November 2000 to March 2007)