Call out for contributions
Are you a former student, or family member of someone who has studied or taught at the National Art School or East Sydney Technical College? Do you know someone who was incarcerated in Darlinghurst Gaol, or who worked on the transformation from gaol to art school? Do you have archival material that relates specifically to any part of our history, such as the buildings, or events that took place here? If so, we would be very interested to hear from you.
In 2022, the National Art School commemorated two important milestones in its history: the 100-year anniversary of our location in Darlinghurst, as well as the 200-year anniversary of the construction of the Darlinghurst Gaol walls (1822), which can still be seen today with their original convict markings.
To celebrate this significant moment in time, NAS held a major exhibition ‘Captivate: the National Art School and Darlinghurst Gaol’ primarily sourced from the extensive National Art School Collection. As a result, many new objects, artworks and archival materials were donated to the collection, and people also contributed their stories about the gaol and the art school (formerly part of East Sydney Technical College). We are still seeking to broaden the information available in our archives and collection.
We are keen to see images or copies of any historical objects or documents relating to the school and the site, including photos, artworks, diplomas, class lists, handbooks and gaol documents and artefacts, as well as typed stories of your memories of experiences or events connected to the school at any point in its history.
Please send contributions to:
Deborah Beck
Lecturer, Archivist and Collections Manager
+61 2 9339 8674
[email protected]
Sonia Legge
Curator, Collections
+61 2 9339 8796
[email protected]
For more about the NAS Archive and Collection see nas.edu.au/nas-archive-and-collection
Final weeks to visit The Neighbour at the Gate, closing Saturday 18 October.
Across various mediums and perspectives, The Neighbour at the Gate charts the entangled legacies of exclusion and resilience, drawing vital parallels between the past and present, memory and nationhood.
Learn more about the exhibition and plan your visit at the link in bio.
Please note: the gallery is closed for Labour Day Monday 6 October
Oct 3
Enjoy 20% off a Summer School Short Course with code FLASHSALE20
Don’t miss this exclusive 20% off flash sale on the National Art School Summer School Short Courses (link in bio). Flash Sale starts right now and ends midnight Monday 6 October.*
*Offer begins midday Friday 3 October and ends midnight Monday 6 October. Terms and conditions apply.
Oct 3
We are pleased to share the exciting news that we are introducing a new BFA (Hons) degree at the National Art School in 2026.
The Bachelor of Fine Art (Honours) is an intensive one-year program designed for graduates of the BFA who are ready to deepen their studio practice and expand their academic and professional capabilities. This course is ideal for emerging artists who want to refine their practice, build industry connections, and prepare for postgraduate study or professional opportunities in the creative sector.
New scholarships will be available to students entering the BFA (Hons), with further details to be shared later this year. For more information and key dates, visit futurestudents.nas.edu.au (link in bio).
Oct 2
Join us for free 18+ concert `Afterglow` – The Neighbour at the Gate exhibition closing party.
Headlined by Miss Kaninna, the event features performances by HYLANDER, Rocky Stallone, BRINA, Kuya Hennessy, and DJ Court Jester. RSVP today as tickets are going fast!
Afterglow
Thursday 16 October
Doors: 4.30pm
Concert starts: 7.00pm
Cell Block Theatre, National Art School
Please note: if the Cell Block reaches capacity, you’re welcome to enjoy the concert from the courtyard until space opens up inside. Food trucks and pop up bar.
FREE ADMISSION, RSVP is essential due to limited capacity (link in bio)
Oct 1
We are pleased to welcome three distinguished individuals to our Board of Directors. Each of our new board members brings a wealth of expertise, insight, and passion for the arts. Their diverse backgrounds and commitment to creative excellence will play a pivotal role in guiding NAS into its next chapter.
Please join us in warmly welcoming: Emilya Colliver, Helen Lochhead AO and Lucy Keeler.
Photo credit: Jacqui Manning (Emilya Colliver); John Nguyen Photography (Helen Lochhead AO); Paul McMillan (Lucy Keeler)
Sep 30
Congratulations to NAS Short Courses Painting Lecturer Michelle Hiscock (@michellelouisemariehiscock) for winning the 2025 Portia Geach Memorial Award with her work, `The Weather Watcher after Zurbarán`.
The Portia Geach Memorial Award is the pre-eminent portraiture prize for women in Australia, established by Florence Kate Geach in memory of her sister in 1965.
An exhibition of all finalists’ works is open for public viewing at the S.H. Ervin Gallery (@shervingallery) in The Rocks, Sydney, from Friday 19 September until Sunday 2 November.
Visit shop.nas.edu.au (link in bio) to book now for Term 4 Short Courses. Summer School Short Courses in January 2026 will open for booking from Friday 3 October.
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Michelle Hiscock, `The Weather Watcher after Zurbarán`, 2025, oil on linen, 50 x 40 cm, courtesy of the artist and the S.H. Ervin Gallery (The Rocks, Sydney)
Sep 28
