Maintenance and Upgrade Works at the National Art School

Maintenance and Upgrade Works at the National Art School

2021-07-09

Update – Maintenance and Upgrade Works at the National Art School

The NSW Government is committed to preserving NSW’s heritage. The Former Darlinghurst Gaol, as it is officially known, was heritage listed in February 2021 and the site will celebrate its 200th anniversary next year. The NSW Government is undertaking a series of repairs and maintenance works at the National Art School site. These essential upgrades will ensure the site’s rich history will be preserved for generations to come.

These upgrades will begin on Friday 9 July.

Please find details below:
Friday 9 July: erection of A and B class hoardings along Forbes Street
Saturday 10 July: an arborist will be working on the trees that line Forbes Street and the footpath will be closed for this period
Monday 12 July: erection of scaffolding along Forbes Street

Once the hoarding and scaffolding is assembled, the sandstone will be replaced and remediation works undertaken, including cleaning, desalination, indentation, and repointing.

What you may notice as the project progresses:
• Works commenced in May 2021 and are anticipated to be completed mid-2023.
• Works to the heritage stone walls will take place from 7.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday except on public holidays.
• Works will also take place on Saturdays from 7.30am to 3.30pm, as required with approval from Council.
• Neighbours can expect to hear some noise associated with on-site activities, during the hours listed above.
• Access to the site for contractors will be via the Burton Street entrance.
• Contractors will utilise limited available parking inside the grounds where possible over the period of works, to minimise the impact on street parking in the area.
• Workers may access the site before, and after, the works period to set-up and deliver, or remove, equipment.
• We understand these essential works may impact you and your neighbours and we apologise for the inconvenience it may cause. We would like to thank you for your patience and cooperation in helping us provide a safe and thriving arts education facility for National Art School students, staff and visitors.

Contacts
For more information on how the program might impact you, contact Cordelia Moss, Project Manager (Create NSW) on 02 8289 6594.
For information about the Scope of Repair Work contact David Mason, Senior Heritage Consultant (Public Works Advisory) on 0466 410203.
For information about the site in general contact Bryce Bentley, Project Manager (Heritage Stoneworks) on 0438 320 897.

Join us at the Shared Skies Music Concert with BARKAA, Rainbow Chan and DJ Rocky Stallone, our major program event for the opening weekend of The Neighbour at the Gate. Held in the historic Cell Block Theatre, don’t miss this celebration of culture, identity and sound.

BARKAA @barkaa__ is a Malyangapa, Barkindji woman from western NSW, now living in south western Sydney on Gandangara land. Music has been part of BARKAA’s journey to express herself, the truth and issues impacting First Nations people. BARKAA has made a name for herself with her powerful delivery and lyrics, and her live shows are full of energy and raw intense emotion.

Rainbow Chan @chunyinrainbowchan is an award-winning vocalist, producer and multi-disciplinary artist. Driven by a DIY spirit, Chan melds catchy melodies and off-kilter beats made up of field-recordings and found sounds. Both heartbreaking and tender, her idiosyncratic brand of pop reflects diasporic experiences and deeply personal tales of love and loss.

Multi-hyphenate DJ, MC, podcaster and esteemed Ballroom community member of Samoan heritage, Rocky Stallone @rocky_stall0ne, is known for creating safe spaces and events for queer POC, gracing the decks at balls and functions across the country. Expect to hear a seamless mix of house, R&B, Baille funk, and more, including hot and heaving remixes that will wind your waist.

Saturday 12 July
8 – 10.30pm
Cell Block Theatre

Buy tickets at the link in bio.

View the full program of opening weekend events, including artist talks, artmaking workshops, and community activities, at nas.edu.au.

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Jun 26

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There`s still time to make a tax deductible donation towards our Pathways Program this EOFY.

To everyone who has already donated, thank you. Your support helps ensure the National Art School is accessible to people from all backgrounds.

Visit link in our bio today to find our more, and help us create crucial pathways to propel our students and alumni to become leading international artists.

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Jun 25

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There's still time to make a tax deductible donation towards our Pathways Program this EOFY.

To everyone who has already donated, thank you. Your support helps ensure the National Art School is accessible to people from all backgrounds.

Visit link in our bio today to find our more, and help us create crucial pathways to propel our students and alumni to become leading international artists.

The National Art School is saddened to hear of the passing of Fellow and alumnus Kevin Connor at the age of 92 (1932-2025).

In 1948, at the age of 16, he enrolled as a night student at what was then called East Sydney Technical College, while training as a commercial artist in the city. His employer paid the fees for his art classes.

In later years he recalled that he had a life changing experience at art school, when he realised that: ‘The nature of art is both enigmatic and non-commercial - a realisation that has stayed with me well into my old age.’

A prolific and dedicated artist, Kevin Connor held more than 70 solo exhibitions throughout his life, including exhibiting in the Archibald Prize over 25 times. Connor won the Archibald Prize in 1975 and 1977, the Sulman Prize in 1991 and 1997, and the Dobell Prize for Drawing in 1992 and 2005. He was the Harkness Fellow in New York from 1966 to 1968 and a Trustee of the Art Gallery of New South Wales from 1981 to 1987.

Connor was a much respected teacher, and he lectured in painting and drawing at the National Art School, among other colleges, between 1972 and 1987.
The first major survey of his work was held at the AGNSW in 1989. In 2006, Hendrik Kolenberg curated a major retrospective of Connor’s drawing, sculpture and painting at AGNSW.

In 2016, Connor was made a Fellow of the National Art School, and he donated works to the National Art School Collection when he was included in the exhibition ‘National Art: Part One’ in the NAS Gallery 2018.

The National Art School offers its deepest sympathies to Kevin Connor’s family and friends.
—
Kevin Connor, aged 15, 1947, photo courtesy Connor family; Ann Cape, `Kevin Connor`, 1974, pencil on paper, 26.5 x 24.5cm, NAS Collection, gift of Ann Cape 2011; Kevin Connor, `Haymarket Morning`, 2013, oil on canvas, 102 x 122cm, NAS Collection, gift of Kevin Connor 2018

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Jun 25

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The National Art School is saddened to hear of the passing of Fellow and alumnus Kevin Connor at the age of 92 (1932-2025).

In 1948, at the age of 16, he enrolled as a night student at what was then called East Sydney Technical College, while training as a commercial artist in the city. His employer paid the fees for his art classes.

In later years he recalled that he had a life changing experience at art school, when he realised that: ‘The nature of art is both enigmatic and non-commercial - a realisation that has stayed with me well into my old age.’

A prolific and dedicated artist, Kevin Connor held more than 70 solo exhibitions throughout his life, including exhibiting in the Archibald Prize over 25 times. Connor won the Archibald Prize in 1975 and 1977, the Sulman Prize in 1991 and 1997, and the Dobell Prize for Drawing in 1992 and 2005. He was the Harkness Fellow in New York from 1966 to 1968 and a Trustee of the Art Gallery of New South Wales from 1981 to 1987.

Connor was a much respected teacher, and he lectured in painting and drawing at the National Art School, among other colleges, between 1972 and 1987.
The first major survey of his work was held at the AGNSW in 1989. In 2006, Hendrik Kolenberg curated a major retrospective of Connor’s drawing, sculpture and painting at AGNSW.

In 2016, Connor was made a Fellow of the National Art School, and he donated works to the National Art School Collection when he was included in the exhibition ‘National Art: Part One’ in the NAS Gallery 2018.

The National Art School offers its deepest sympathies to Kevin Connor’s family and friends.
—
Kevin Connor, aged 15, 1947, photo courtesy Connor family; Ann Cape, 'Kevin Connor', 1974, pencil on paper, 26.5 x 24.5cm, NAS Collection, gift of Ann Cape 2011; Kevin Connor, 'Haymarket Morning', 2013, oil on canvas, 102 x 122cm, NAS Collection, gift of Kevin Connor 2018

We’re looking for an Event Manager - Application Deadline Sunday 29 June

The Event Manager will have strong experience in hospitality, licensed venue operations, and event delivery. This role delivers a wide range of internal and external events, including Graduate Shows, Gallery Openings, Public Programs, Fundraisers, and Open Day. NAS also operates as a commercial venue, hiring the Cell Block Theatre for weddings, corporate events, and product launches.

Apply at the link in bio.

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Jun 22

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We’re looking for an Event Manager - Application Deadline Sunday 29 June

The Event Manager will have strong experience in hospitality, licensed venue operations, and event delivery. This role delivers a wide range of internal and external events, including Graduate Shows, Gallery Openings, Public Programs, Fundraisers, and Open Day. NAS also operates as a commercial venue, hiring the Cell Block Theatre for weddings, corporate events, and product launches.

Apply at the link in bio.

Call out for all National Art School alumni and staff: There are only 8 days left to apply for two international residency opportunities for 2026: The Onslow Storrier NAS Residency La Cité Internationale Des Arts, Paris and The British School at Rome.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant art scenes of two iconic European cities, Paris and Rome, and further develop your artistic practice in an enriching cultural environment.

Visit our website for more information and apply before Sunday 29 June 2025 (link in bio).

—
Sophia Lee Georgas BSR Open Studio, 2023, image courtesy and © The British School at Rome; Harry de Vries BSR Open Studio, 2024, image courtesy and © The British School at Rome

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Jun 21

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Call out for all National Art School alumni and staff: There are only 8 days left to apply for two international residency opportunities for 2026: The Onslow Storrier NAS Residency La Cité Internationale Des Arts, Paris and The British School at Rome.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant art scenes of two iconic European cities, Paris and Rome, and further develop your artistic practice in an enriching cultural environment.

Visit our website for more information and apply before Sunday 29 June 2025 (link in bio).

—
Sophia Lee Georgas BSR Open Studio, 2023, image courtesy and © The British School at Rome; Harry de Vries BSR Open Studio, 2024, image courtesy and © The British School at Rome

Today is ‘Take Your Dog to Work’ day! And we`ve brought the whole kennel, courtesy of the National Art School Collection.

—
Frank Pearson (Captain Starlight), ‘Two dogs, a white donkey and sailing boats’, 1890, watercolour on paper, Gift of Allan Harding to the NAS Archive & Collection; Margaret Woodward, ‘Dog (Bull Mastiff)’, 1997, watercolour and ink on paper, Gift of Britt Clapson to the NAS Archive & Collection; Bruce Latimer, ‘Gardens full of dogs’, 1973, screenprint on paper edition AP, Gift of Bruce Latimer to the NAS Archive & Collection; Lorna Nimmo ‘Sleeping dog’, pencil on paper; Vivienne Littlejohn, ‘It’s a Dog’s Life’, 1983, woodcut on paper, Gift of Joy Dandie to the NAS Archive & Collection; image courtesy the artists and National Art School © artists.

From the National Art School Collection. The Collection performs a major role within the National Art School, both as a teaching resource and historical record. Visit our website to find out more about the works in our collection.

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Jun 20

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Maintenance and Upgrade Works at the National Art School