Jura is a radical social space. We put on gigs, films and discussions in order to build a counter-culture outside of (and in opposition to) the capitalist scene. We welcome like-minded groups to put on events in our space. Below is a selection of images from gigs and other Jura events over the last couple of years. Click on any image below to see the full size image or start the slide show (in Firefox). To move between images use the arrow keys or mouse over the images.
Sunday, February 21, 2021 - 12:15pm to Saturday, March 6, 2021 - 5:00pm
Jura has had to close urgently due to damage from demolition works next door at 442 Parramatta Rd, which occurred on Saturday afternoon 20th February 2021. The demolition work punched a hole in our wall and knocked over a large shelf full of books. At this stage we are unsure what rectification work will be needed to make Jura safe again. Stay tuned for more information in coming days.
Friday, January 22, 2021 - 2:00pm to Saturday, February 6, 2021 - 5:00pm
Jura re-opens for 2021 on Friday 22nd January. Open Fridays 2-7pm and Saturdays 12-5pm. Jura aims to be COVID-safe. When inside Jura Books please maintain physical distancing and take hygiene precautions to minimise transmission.
Submitted by Guest contributor on Sun, 16/07/2017 - 10:26am
Robert P. Barbagallo wrote this piece as part of an oral history project he worked on as a student at the University of Sydney. It is based on a series of interviews with Jura Collective members.
This piece will tell the story of the Jura Books anarchist collective as it was told to me through a series of five interviews I had conducted throughout May 2017. Five different members, both present and past, told me about their personal arrival to Jura, what they had experienced along the way, as well as their views on the Australian anarchist movement and their interpretation of anarchist ideas in general.
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Amongst the busy lunch time sprawl at a Sydney University café, between the noisy chatter of students crammed at tables, I spoke to PS about Jura Books. PS had been a member of Jura Books during the 70s through to the early to mid-80s, a time he describes as “effervescently” active—just like the noise around us. We had been speaking for an hour or so. The lunch time sprawl had dulled. We maybe spoke for too long. “My car’s about to be booked, if it hasn’t been booked already.” (I’m deeply sorry if it was) But before he left he told me:
“One of the great things about Jura over the years is that it has been an opportunity for people to learn about anarchism, to learn about how to organise autonomously and work together in a collaborative way with rules, but with rules that are collectively decided and that are changed when they don’t work. They are not just rules for the sake of rules. Where [there are] people form very different backgrounds and generations…Sid, whose now one of the ‘old guys’ was one of the ‘young guys’. LM started when she was at university as an undergraduate. I started when I was an undergrad, now I’m an ‘old guy’ there. People learned to work in an anarchist way which in our society is not—maybe now is more available in kind of networked organisations.—But it’s also a way where people give without expecting material returns. There’s something very attractive about that kind of volunteer work.”
Jura is currently closed due to building damage sustained on 20/02/2021 caused by unsafe demolition work next door at 442 Parramatta Rd. Insurer-approved repair work finally commenced in early July. Now the current COVID restrictions on construction work in Sydney are delaying completion of the repairs. We don't expect to be able to reopen before September. We know that many people are struggling with the current COVID-19 situation across Sydney and beyond. Look after yourselves, your loved ones, your community - stay safe, everyone.
Jura Books is on the land of the Wangal people of the Eora Nation. The Jura Collective acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Land and pays our respect to Elders past and present. We support the ongoing struggle of Aboriginal people for land rights, self-determination, and justice.
A note on accessibility: The lower level of Jura (the bookshop area) is accessible for people using wheelchairs or with other mobility impairments. However the library and toilets are up steep flights of stairs. We can move most meetings and events downstairs upon request.
