In memory of Dr John Olsen AO OBE
Esteemed alumnus Dr John Olsen AO OBE first studied at the National Art School in the 1950s, then taught at the school. In 2008 he was bestowed with a NAS Fellowship, the School’s highest honour, in recognition of his contribution to the Australian visual arts community as one of our most eminent and renowned artists.
In lieu of flowers, the Olsen family invites you to make a donation to the National Art School, which John cherished throughout his long career.
“Australia has lost one of our truly remarkable and emblematic artists. John redefined the way we see ourselves, our landscapes, our country and our shared identity. He was also a big part of the National Art School over many decades. Recently he said again to me of his love of NAS and faith in the bright future for artists who train at NAS. Working on John’s last exhibition, Goya’s Dog, with John and his son Tim was an absolute pleasure. John spoke of the Spanish influence and of interpreting the peaks and troughs of the human condition. He was a poet of the Australian landscape, an author of Sydney Harbour, a storyteller of our country and a lyricist of humanity. Forever and eternally an artist who shaped our stories. We send our sincere condolences to Tim, Louise, and the family.”
– Steven Alderton, NAS Director and CEO
Your donation is greatly appreciated and will contribute to supporting the brightest Australian artists of the future.
All donations over $2 are fully tax-deductible.
All donations over $1000 will be acknowledged as a NAS Patron.
Marking 20 years of the National Art School Gallery, we are thrilled to share this year`s program of ambitious group and solo exhibitions that foster critical appreciation and innovative art practice.
SEARCHERS: Graffiti and Contemporary Art
17 January – 11 April
Opening: Thurs 22 January, 6pm
Bringing together over thirty of Australia`s most dynamic artists united by one charged medium: spray paint, presented as part of @sydney_festival.
Queer Contemporary: Liz Bradshaw
13 February – 7 March
Opening: Thurs 12 February, 6pm
Experience a large-scale sculpture and installation by NAS alum Liz Bradshaw as part of @sydneymardigras.
Mitch Cairns: Artist`s Mouth
1 May – 11 July
Opening: Thurs 30 April, 6pm
Presented with the @instituteofmodernart, the largest and most comprehensive exhibition by Sydney-based artist and NAS alum Mitch Cairns.
Margaret Olley: Australian Intimiste
31 July – 25 October
Opening: Thurs 30 July, 6pm
Celebrating the legacy of NAS alum and one of Australia`s most beloved painters, Margaret Olley AC.
The Postgrad Show
6–15 November
The Grad Show
4–13 December
Full program 🔗 in bio.
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Howard Arkley, `Triple fronted`, 1987, synthetic polymer paint on canvas, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Mollie and Jim Gowing Bequest Fund 2014 © The Estate of Howard Arkley, courtesy Kalli Rolfe Contemporary Art, image © Art Gallery of New South Wales
Jan 8
Step into the studios these school holidays with Art Club Intensive for ages 15–17.
Led by experienced artist-educators, these focused 3-day workshops provide a supportive space for students to develop their skills and gain an immersive introduction to the disciplines taught at NAS.
7–9 & 14–16 January
On campus
Book via 🔗 in bio
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Photos: Peter Morgan
Dec 23
We are thrilled to announce the recipients of the Bachelor of Fine Arts (Hons) scholarships!
Amirah Rachwani | Alumni Advancement Scholarship
supported by Ian Neil SC
Cristelle Cabrera | Baxter Marr Scholarship
supported by Annabel Baxter and David Marr
Ziggy Grana | Perry Foundation Art Scholarship
supported by the R&J Perry Family Foundation
Launched this year, these scholarships provide financial assistance and creative opportunities for students undertaking the new BFA (Hons) degree in 2026.
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Portraits: @soybased_snack
Dec 22
Save on Summer School 2026 short courses!
Enrol online before Monday 15 December 2025 to receive 10% off.
Designed for students of all levels and led by professional artist-educators, these focused five-day courses build practical skills, confidence and creative thinking across a range of disciplines.
Learn more 🔗 in bio
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Photos: Peter Morgan
Dec 13
We are pleased to announce that applications are now open for the Prudence MacLeod Prize.
The Prudence MacLeod Prize, which will continue for a further three years, supports a recent National Art School graduate to undertake a six-month residency at @acme.art, London.
Supported by the Lansdowne Foundation, the Prize provides an emerging artist with an opportunity to step forward into an expanded, international context at a vital time in their career. The artist will live and work in London, one of the world`s great art cities, in a supportive artist community. This important opportunity will enable the artist to forge professional international contacts, explore London`s art world and rich cultural resources, and produce a new body of work.
The recipient of this Prize will receive:
– Return travel to London. To be arranged for the artist by NAS.
– Studio accommodation and workspace at Acme Studios for 6 months.
– Living stipend of $AUD3,500 per month for 6 months. Total $AUD21,000.
Application deadline: Sunday 1 February 2026, 11.59pm
Residency: Monday 6 July – Friday 18 December 2026
The Prudence MacLeod Prize is open to eligible NAS alumni who have graduated within the past five years and meet the selection criteria.
Learn more 🔗 in bio.
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Acme Fire Station, 30 Gillender Street, 1999 © Acme Archive
Dec 11
Congratulations to all students recognised in last night`s awards ceremony!
A special acknowledgement to our major award recipients: Jed Payten, Nikita Maricic, Frankie Abroon, Harri Barnes, Lihnida Krstanoska-Blazeska, Cristelle Cabrera, Rose Rigley, Indi Wolstenholme, Lucy Russell and Majlena Muecke.
Thank you to our dedicated lecturers and technicians for their guidance and support throughout the year, and to our generous benefactors and sponsors whose commitment makes these prizes possible.
This year also marked the introduction of @arts__matter Creative Futures Award, supporting 25 BFA and MFA students as they transition from graduation into early professional practice.
🔗 in bio to view all the recipients.
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Photography: Tim Connolly
Dec 11
