I am writing to provide an update regarding the National Art School and Covid-19.

The health and safety of our students, staff and visitors are our utmost concern. In response to the COVID 19 Pandemic we have put a number of precautionary measures in place to minimise risk of infection and transmission. This includes increased cleaning across the site and sanitisers in all public areas, re-assessing class sizes, reducing gatherings on site and implementing recommendations from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee, including recommending that visitors keep a safe distance from each other when visiting our galleries and programs.

The National Art School remains open and continues to teach across the academic program and short courses. The 22^nd Biennale of Sydney exhibition NIRIN remains open as does our cafe Two Emus, the Print Lab, the Library and Parkers Art Supplies.

To further increase the safety of our School and community we have decided to postpone or cancel public events and related programs for the months of March and April, effective immediately. This includes school visits and school workshops, site tours, education expos, the Autumn school holiday program, and Biennale of Sydney public programs.

We are looking at other ways to engage with our community; to activate the Biennale of Sydney exhibition and our arts program in digital platforms including our website. We apologise for any disruption this may cause and thank you for your patience and understanding as we make the necessary adjustments to our programs and hope to restart our public events as soon as practicable. Please refer to our website for further information as we are constantly updating our position, www​.nas​.edu​.au

Thank you for your consideration as we put in place systems to ensure the health and safety of the community at National Art School, and look for alternate ways to connect great art, artists and community. For further health enquiries, please contact NSW Health on 1800 022 222 or visit www​.health​.nsw​.gov​.au.

Yours sincerely,
Steven Alderton
Director and CEO, National Art School