STUDENT EXPERIENCE

At the National Art School on Gadigal land, students dive into a rich artistic experience. Nestled in Sydney’s cultural hub, NAS blends deep-rooted heritage with a dynamic arts community. From engaging Art Forum talks to vibrant NAS NEO events and an outstanding public exhibition program, students thrive in a collaborative atmosphere, forging connections and honing their craft amidst the echoes of history while tapping into cutting-edge innovation.

Campus and Community

The National Art School, on the site of the former Darlinghurst Gaol, stands on Gadigal land. NAS acknowledges the Gadigal traditional owners on whose lands, water and skies we meet, work and share. We pay our respects to all Gadigal elders, past and present, and honour the diversity, history and creativity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples from the beginning.

 

 

The heritage-listed NAS campus is part of the creative and cultural Oxford Street precinct and a significant part of Sydney’s heritage. Building on the original gaol began 200 years ago in 1822, and in 1922 the art school moved into the site. For the past century, NAS has been a strong artistic presence in the heart of the city, providing not just tertiary art education but a major exhibition program, public short courses, popular school programs and cultural events.

 

 

 

The culture of the campus is lively, progressive, and collaborative. We have a deep and vibrant connection to the arts industry and creative sector that feeds back into the NAS community, giving students and staff a wider perspective outside the curriculum, a strong sense of purpose and broad understanding of the role of an artist.

 

First Peoples Centre

 

The heritage-listed NAS campus is part of the creative and cultural Oxford Street precinct and a significant part of Sydney’s heritage. Building on the original gaol began 200 years ago in 1822, and in 1922 the art school moved into the site. For the past century, NAS has been a strong artistic presence in the heart of the city, providing not just tertiary art education but a major exhibition program, public short courses, popular school programs and cultural events.


The culture of the campus is lively, progressive, and collaborative. We have a deep and vibrant connection to the arts industry and creative sector that feeds back into the NAS community, giving students and staff a wider perspective outside the curriculum, a strong sense of purpose and broad understanding of the role of an artist.

“Here at NAS, you have artists speaking to artists, we have the same perspectives and share a connection. The environment is conducive to creativity, it thrives on this campus.”

Lesley Wengembo, NAS graduate

Art Forum 

Art Forum is a weekly lecture program presenting invited guests talking about their curatorial, artistic and research projects to NAS staff, students and the broader arts community. Art Forum has featured many Australian and international guests including Richard Bell, John Kaldor, Alexie Glass-Kantor and many other prominent voices in the art world.

Archive and Collection

NAS has a unique and nationally significant art collection that documents the School’s history as well as the site of the former Darlinghurst Gaol. The collection includes many rare gems and art treasures by past and present alumni, lecturers and students who have studied and worked at the School. The archive and collection documents the creative and historical activities associated with NAS and its historic site.

NAS NEO

NAS NEO is a monthly Culture Up Late event supported by the NSW Government and hosted on campus, featuring live music, art and performances, hands-on workshops, exhibitions and student work. It showcases the creativity of the NAS faculties, engages students and staff, and attracts a diverse and enthusiastic audience from across Sydney.

Short Courses

NAS Open Short Courses offer a comprehensive range of programs held on-campus and online for students of all levels of experience and ages 16 and over. Covering diverse artistic disciplines and theoretical topics, courses range from the popular twice-yearly five-day Summer and Winter School intensives; two-day weekend workshops; four-day residential art camps; and eight-week courses across Terms One to Four throughout the year.

“It’s a privilege to be a part of the National Art School community. It’s an incredible location with a history and style of teaching which I really responded to.”

Mason Kimber, NAS graduate