The National Art School respects the history of First Peoples and acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora nation on whose land the school stands.
NAS occupies the heritage-listed site of the former Darlinghurst Gaol, one of Australia’s oldest and best-preserved examples of sandstone architecture. It is a significant part of Sydney’s heritage, and for nearly a century NAS has been a strong cultural presence in the heart of the city.
Providing state-of-the-art facilities and studio spaces for students, the campus is also a hub for arts and culture in NSW, with vibrant and engaging public programs including short courses, school holiday programs, free exhibitions, heritage tours, talks and events that make art and culture accessible to the whole community.
This extensive external engagement generates a deep and vibrant connection to the arts industry and creative sector that feeds back into the school community, giving students and staff a wider perspective outside the curriculum, a strong sense of purpose, and diverse understanding of the role of an artist.
