Values and Vision

We are the National Art School. Our role is to educate, inspire and catalyse art practice in Australia. We operate at the leading edge of ideas and practices enabling art and artists to thrive.

We empower artists to continue to flourish once they leave our walls, activating our alumni network and growing our community relationships. We make art accessible to an ever growing range of students, audiences and publics. Our influence extends beyond our immediate context, pursuing our unwavering commitment to art education and the value of art across local, national and global networks.

Our values shape the experiences we create, the culture we foster and the challenges we seek to solve.

Inclusivity and diversity

We embrace different backgrounds, perspectives and abilities.

Creativity and innovation

We are curious, forward-thinking learners and generous, innovative makers.

Excellence and authenticity

We are fearlessly committed to authentic art education, academic rigour, artistic integrity and professional standards.

Community and collaboration

We are passionate and serious about what we do, cultivating a rich community of students, staff and the broader arts sector.

We have designed a strategic plan around our five ​‘pillars’ focusing on our key assets: our academic offering, our people, the former Darlinghurst Gaol site, our community, and financial sustainability. We will reach our objectives by defining and implementing a series of operational plans over the coming six years.

Academic Offering

Our academic plan emphasises intensive studio-based learning under the guidance of experienced artists and educators. Our immersive teaching model recognises the importance of high course contact hours and high staff-to-student ratios to the individual development of artists, and ensures we continue to attract and support diverse and exceptional students.

Our People

Our people are our most valued and important resource. We aim to attract and retain the best people to guide the development of talented and committed students and the success of the National Art School. We continually seek to improve the professional capacities of our people and we value their individual development and wellbeing.

The Site

The National Art School respects the Aboriginal history of this place and acknowledges the Gadigal people in developing our programs. We acknowledge the site’s former history as the Darlinghurst Gaol, and since 1922 its continuing history as the home of the National Art School. We aim to provide state-of-the-art facilities and services for students and provide arts engagement to ensure the site is a hub for arts and culture in NSW, with vibrant and engaging programs that make art and culture accessible to the whole community.

Community

The National Art School enables community to connect with art, education, creativity and ideas. The National Art School makes a significant contribution to the NSW arts and cultural sector through a range of programs and activities that deepen our relationship with the broad community and extend our partnerships across NSW and the Asia-Pacific. We present vibrant, challenging and important forums, events and courses.

Financial Sustainability

We will continue to build our financial sustainability, diversifying revenue sources and affirming relationships with strategic partners to ensure sufficient institutional resources in place to support our mission, vision and values.