WHY THE NATIONAL ART SCHOOL?

Fall in love with art at the National Art School.

Situated in the heart of Sydney on Gadigal land, the National Art School campus is a vibrant and creative space located in the former Darlinghurst Gaol. For over 100 years this iconic site has been reimagined as a space of art education. Our graduates are some of Australia’s leading artists and creatives who are shaping the global and national arts and
cultural ecology.

At the National Art School we can help you realise your artistic vision through our unique studio-focused learning experience. As a dedicated and independent art school we are solely focused on fine art, offering Bachelor of Fine Art, Bachelor of Fine Art (Honours)*, Master of Fine Art and Doctor of Fine Art degrees.

Within our degree programs we push creative and experimental boundaries and prioritise your individual learning and artmaking experience. We also deeply value art’s traditions and histories and can support you to develop a specialised and skilled art practice. Across the key areas of study in Art History and Theory, Ceramics, Drawing, Painting, Photomedia, Printmaking and Sculpture, our teaching staff are all active artists and historians who are leading experts in their field. They are also passionate and dedicated art educators,
and you will be supported to develop your own artistic practice through learning critical material, conceptual and technical skills.

At the National Art School we value difference, independence and collaboration. We foster a strong sense of community and connection; through your study experience you will form lifelong friendships and establish important professional networks.

We look forward to welcoming you to the National Art School as you join the next generation of artists and inspire others through your art.

Dr Kristen Sharp 

Director and CEO, National Art School

*Bachelor of Fine Art (Honours) degree to be offered from 2026, subject to accreditation.