ArtsHub: Diversity and drawing at heart of learning in 2023

By Gina Fairley

This time of year, art schools across Australia are unveiling their graduate shows.

For the National Art School (NAS) in Sydney, this year’s calendar of exhibitions comes at a moment when the organisation celebrates the 100-year anniversary of moving to its historic Darlinghurst Gaol site in 1922 (the school’s origins go back to 1843).

The school now looks to the next 100 years with a stronger foundation than ever before – a secured long-term lease and heritage listing on the historic campus, State Significant Organisation status with long-term funding and $20 million renovation works completed. Collectively, these place NAS in a unique position in Australia at this time, as a fully independent art school expanding its courses and teaching faculty, while also presenting a full annual program of public exhibitions and community events.