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.
What`s happening at the National Art School on 6 September? RSVP to our Open Day today to find out. (Link in bio)
Aug 22
Hear artist James Nguyen (@jamesnguyens) discuss the process of his artwork ‘Homeopathies_where new trees grow’ (2025), a site-specific installation created for The Neighbour at the Gate, now on at NAS Gallery.
In response to the exhibition, Nguyen created a large-scale suspended textile, dyed with introduced weeds and contaminated mud collected along the Duck River and Parramatta River in Sydney. These local sites, like many places in Vietnam, continue to be contaminated by Agent Orange, dioxins and toxic leachates that account for the industrial scale manufacturing of chemical weapons along Homebush Bay.
The Naarm/Melbourne-based, Vietnamese Australian artist positions his personal experiences and perspectives in dialogue with others in his interdisciplinary practice, moving between live and online performance, video, drawing and installations. This work was made in conjunction with Nguyen’s aunt, Nguyễn Thị Kim Nhung, and uncle, Nguyễn Công Chính, who you can hear in conversation with the artist in the Artist Talks archive on our website.
The Neighbour at the Gate is now on until Saturday 18 October 2025. 11am – 5pm, Monday to Sunday. Plan your visit at the link in bio.
The Neighbour at the Gate has been made possible with the generous support of the NSW Government through its Blockbusters Funding initiative.
Aug 21
Don’t miss the last chance to enrol in a ceramics workshop at NAS in 2025.
Places are still available in three ceramics Spring Weekend Workshops with incredible artist-educators Trisha Dean, Tania Rollond and Sassy Park.
Early discount extended to 29 August, enrol today at the link in bio.
Aug 21
Apply for the Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS) and secure your place at the National Art School before you get your ATAR!
Our admissions are based on your interview and portfolio. We`re interested in your artistic potential, not your ATAR.
Mature age students and students who are not Year 12 are encouraged to apply to our main admission round before Thursday 20 November.
To learn more about preparing your portfolio or what it`s like to have your own studio space at NAS, come chat with our friendly staff and faculty at our Open Day. (RSVP link in bio)
Music by NAS Alum @harrison_chao
Aug 20
Congratulations to our recent BFA graduate Samuel Chan (@__szwc), who has been named one of three recipients of the ‘most exceptional’ prize at the Dr Harold Schenberg Arts Awards.
Now in its 16th year, the Dr Harold Schenberg Arts Awards offers the largest prize pool for emerging artists in Australia and is part of PICA’s ‘Hatched: National Graduate Show’. To be part of ‘Hatched’ exhibition is an honour as it showcases the next generation of Australia’s contemporary creative voices, presenting artworks by 23 outstanding art school graduates from across the country.
Sam’s award-winning installation work includes `At Eventuality’s End` - an evocative sculptural piece previously featured in our ‘Queer Contemporary: Chaosophy ‘exhibition as well as the NAS Grad Show.
Inspired by our alumni success stories? Join our Open Day on 6 September to explore your own creative path and get application-ready with one-on-one consultation sessions. (Link in bio)
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(In order of appearance in the video)
`Embrace`, 2024, resin, stainless steel hook, Conte crayon, 47 x 14.5 x 9.5cm
‘Transfiguration’, 2024, Chillagoe White Pearl marble, mild steel, incense, 172 x 26 x 26cm
`Noose`, 2024, resin, graphite, titanium rod, 30 x 14 x 5cm
`At Eventuality`s End`, 2024, hand-dyed paper, wire mesh, mild steel rod, 255 x 80 x 60cm
Image courtesy and © the artist, photograph: Jennifer Leahy (@silversalt_photography)
@pica_perth
Aug 19
We’re Hiring!
Painting Technician - Application Deadline Sunday 7 September
Under the direction of the Head of Painting and lecturing staff of the department, the Painting Technician is responsible for the resourcing, maintenance and upkeep of the studios and equipment of the department; the implementation of effective studio process and procedures, and the demonstration/monitoring of safe and appropriate use of studio equipment and resources. The Painting Technician is responsible for resourcing and supporting the delivery of all Painting programs including Degree Programs, Public Programs short courses, and Education Outreach programs and workshops.
Sales and Events Coordinator - Application Deadline Sunday 7 September
The Sales and Events Coordinator plays a key role in promoting and coordinating commercial venue hire at the National Art School (NAS), located on a unique and historic heritage-listed campus in Darlinghurst. The role is responsible for managing client enquiries, preparing event plans and quotes, and ensuring client needs are clearly scoped and communicated — without exceeding agreed service levels or budgets.
Facilities Assistant – Application Deadline Sunday 31 August
The Facilities Assistant provides general facilities support across the campus heritage buildings, undertaking all general maintenance on buildings, grounds, plant, and equipment, as well as preventative maintenance. Work is planned through maintenance schedules as well as daily reactive work, prioritising and escalating urgent matters as appropriate. If you’re practical, reliable, and ready to contribute to a creative, purpose-driven environment, we’d love to hear from you.
Visit the link in bio to learn more.
Aug 18
