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
Ever wondered what it’s like studying at the National Art School?
Find out at our Open Day on Saturday 6 September, 10am to 4pm.
Considering art as a career or simply curious about what happens behind the school’s historic sandstone walls? Save the date on Eventbrite (link in bio) to see what life is like for students at NAS by participating in studio demonstrations, chatting to our academic staff and visiting the NAS Gallery and student exhibition spaces across our campus.
Jul 30
Chroma (@chroma_inc) has generously supported our youth outreach programs with a supply of high-quality paints.
Each year, the National Art School welcomes talented young artists to develop their skills in our studios with expert artist educators.
We are thrilled to use Chroma’s A2, Atelier, and Jo Sonia range of paints in our HSC Studio Intensive Program and Art Club this year.
Jul 29
The National Art School was saddened to hear of the recent death of artist and NAS alumnus Bruce Goold (1948-2025).
Born in Newcastle in 1948, from 1961- 65 Bruce attended Sydney Grammar School, where he studied art with ceramicist and potter Gordon McCausland. This was followed by a year at the National Art School, Newcastle. Here he experimented with various mediums and made his first linocut. He then studied at the National Art School, c. 1967-68.
Bruce was a member of the artist collective Yellow House between 1970-72. The former Clune Gallery in Kings Cross was transformed by Martin Sharp and a group of fellow artists, who painted the exterior bright yellow and covered its internal walls with murals, portraits and decoration. Artists such as Brett Whiteley, Peter Wright, Bruce Goold, Greg Weight and Peter Kingston turned the building into an artwork, while visiting bands and celebrities made it a regular fixture of the Sydney scene.
Known principally as a printmaker, Goold created coloured linocuts and woodblocks including many images of Australian flora and fauna, as well as South Pacific inspired esoteric and symbolic subjects. He held solo exhibitions in Sydney, Melbourne and internationally in London and Ireland. He received major commissions for poster, logo and interior design and worked as a designer for Mambo from 1992.
A retrospective exhibition, Bruce Goold, Artist, Designer, Printmaker, curated by Therese Kenyon, was held at Manly Art Gallery & Museum in 2008.
The National Art School extends its sympathies to Bruce’s family and many friends.
—
Greg Weight, `Bruce Goold`, 1998, NAS Collection
Jul 28
BFA3 Ceramics students opened their new exhibition `Answer` at the NAS Library Stairwell gallery yesterday.
The exhibition features work from @liceylover, @ari_lahiri, @bbeth.mp4, @bonkzito, @nature.girle, @caity_gal, @damian.sawyers, @danaetsap_, @darcy_phelan, @jasmine.greenwood, @janet_jiahui_wu, Mary Bradhurst, @meljheyart, @paigehottwagner and @soph.shep.
The Library Stairwell Gallery is a dedicated space in the Library for NAS student exhibitions. BFA 2, BFA 3 and MFA students are eligible to apply to have a show in the Gallery. Follow @nas_library for forthcoming exhibition opening details.
Jul 25
Got a young artist at home?
Art Club Term 3 is now open for enrolment — and we’ve got an exciting painting program lined up. This term, kids will explore styles like Expressive Acrylics and Contemporary Watercolour, all while building their confidence and creativity.
Monday afternoons, led by artist and educator Grant Bellamy.
Visit the link in bio to learn more and enrol.
Jul 17
Thank you to everyone who attended the opening night and weekend celebrations for The Neighbour at the Gate.
The Neighbour at the Gate is now open until Saturday 18 October 2025
11am – 5pm Monday to Saturday
NAS Gallery
Free admission, all welcome
Plan your visit at the link in bio.
Jul 15
