NAS at NSW Parliament

NAS at NSW Parliament

National Art School in the NSW Landscape is a new exhibition at NSW Parliament House from 9 – 31 March 2022. It explores the relationship between people, land and culture across the state through artworks by 21 significant Australian artists who studied at the National Art School (NAS), which this year celebrates 100 years since moving into the former Darlinghurst Gaol site in inner-city Sydney. Together these works highlight the importance of artistic expression to inform our understanding of the environment in different regions, from the rural experience to urban living.

Featuring 27 major artworks in various media including tapestry, collage and ceramics, this show represents the enormous diversity of NSW’s landscape, environment and culture. The works encompass urban, rural, coastal, desert and mountainous locations, from Lake Mungo by Elizabeth Cummings to John Olsen’s Bathurst Butter and Sydney Harbour from the Rocks by Margaret Olley.

National Art School in the NSW Landscape also presents the work of First Nations artists Euphemia Bostock, Thancoupie Gloria Fletcher James, Jeffrey Samuels, Karla Dickens and Fiona Foley, whose diverse techniques and materials include screen printing, ceramics, photographic prints, drawing and mixed media. First Peoples knowledge and custodianship of country is crucial to any deeper understanding of the connections to land and culture in NSW and Australia.

NAS Director and CEO Steven Alderton says, “This exhibition reflects the extraordinary diversity of practices and sensibilities among NAS alumni, who have in turn shaped Australia’s contemporary art landscape for generations. We are proud to be presenting their work at Parliament House, sharing their personal visions of NSW.”

The exhibition is hosted at NSW Parliament by the Honourable Don Harwin, member of the NSW Legislative Council. “As the leading fine art school in the country, NAS has produced many distinguished and talented alumni. This exhibition celebrates the state’s rich visual arts landscape and how it has shaped who we are today,” Mr Harwin said. “National Art School in the NSW Landscape – now on display in the Fountain Court – is an instalment of Parliament’s monthly exhibition program and is open to the public to enjoy.”

NAS is the longest-running independent art school in Australia, located in the NSW State heritage-listed former Darlinghurst Gaol site. Its intensive studio-based model of art education has produced successive generations of Australia’s leading artists, shaping the cultural identity of NSW. In 2022, NAS marks a significant double century – 100 years since moving to the Darlinghurst Gaol site in 1922, and 200 years since building began on the gaol in 1822. To celebrate the centenary year, an extensive program featuring School’s alumni is underway, including this exhibition.

Artists
Euphemia Bostock, John Coburn, Kevin Connor, Lucy Culliton, Elisabeth Cummings, Karla Dickens, Ken Done AM, Eliza Gosse, Fiona Foley, Michael Johnson, Bronte Leighton-Dore, Guido Maestri, Idris Murphy, Margaret Olley AC, John Olsen AO OBE, Jeffrey Samuels, Luke Sciberras, Tim Storrier AM, Thancoupie Gloria Fletcher James AO, Guy Warren AM, Anne Zahalka

National Art School in the NSW Landscape

The Fountain Court, Parliament of New South Wales
6 Macquarie Street, Sydney
Monday to Sunday, 9am–5pm

Image Caption:
Margaret Olley
Sydney Harbour from The Rocks, 2009-2011
oil on board, image size: 53.4 x 91.8 cm, frame size: 73.2 x 111.5 cm
Tweed Regional Gallery Collection
Donated through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program by Andrew Greig, 2017
© Margaret Olley Art Trust
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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
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.
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).
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)
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