Presence: Drawing Symposium 2021
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In this time of forced introversion and on-line communication, The National Centre for Drawing’s 2021 Drawing symposium delves into the question of what Drawing is and does now, how it connects us to the present and makes us present in the world.
Eight very different artists from all over the world will talk to you and each other about the role of drawing in their practice and the drawings that inspire them.
Hosted in the National Art School’s historic Cell Block Theatre, you are invited to attend either online or in person. If you are not in Sydney there will be online options for you to join the conversation.
Speakers
Gerry Davies (UK), Maria Kontis (VIC), Anita Fricek (Austria), Margaret Roberts (NSW), Peter Bonner (USA), Aida Tomescu (NSW), James Nguyen (VIC), Lucienne Rickard (TAS)
Background
We hope that the unusual events of 2020 will enable us to link more closely with artists across the globe and in this context, which generates a strange disjunction between physical presence and on-line connection, the symposium will consider what drawing has to offer the simple idea of being present.
Drawing is powerfully and particularly about presence. The symposium will consider ways that drawing can conjure, evoke, embody and restore this quality of actualisation in both material and non-material, real and virtual modes of being. Emerging from an increasing need to occupy digital environments, the symposium encourages conversations about what this means in the context of drawing.
Presence refers to the state of existence, while also suggesting what is not visible, but rather sensed. The symposium invites discussion on the various ways drawing can elicit presence; from the graphic mark as record/trace to durational, performative and spatial manifestations.
Given the theme and the climate, the symposium will navigate physical and on-line participation.
National Centre for Drawing
The National Centre for Drawing at the National Art School promotes and nurtures practice, research and scholarship in drawing in all of its manifestations. Positioned at the core of an educational institution and cultural precinct, it enables a range of audiences to engage more deeply with drawing. Through the practice of drawing, curatorial projects, exhibitions, publications, conferences, lectures and other special events, it nurtures a curiosity around drawing that is grounded in precedent but extends towards the unknown.
Program
9.30–9.45am
Introduction
9.45–10.45am
Anita Fricek and Margaret Roberts
10.45–11am
Questions
11–11.30am
Morning Tea
11.30am–12.30pm
Gerald Davies and Maria Kontis
12.30–12.45pm
Questions
12.45–1.30pm
Lunch
1.30–2.30pm
Peter Bonner and Aida Tomescu
2.30–2.45pm
Questions
2.45–3.15pm
Break
3.15–4.15pm
James Nguyen and Lucienne Rickard
4.15–4.30pm
Questions
4.30–4.45pm
Final remarks and close
4.45pm
Closing drinks
Step into the studios these school holidays with Art Club Intensive for ages 15–17.
Led by experienced artist-educators, these focused 3-day workshops provide a supportive space for students to develop their skills and gain an immersive introduction to the disciplines taught at NAS.
7–9 & 14–16 January
On campus
Book via 🔗 in bio
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Photos: Peter Morgan
Dec 23
We are thrilled to announce the recipients of the Bachelor of Fine Arts (Hons) scholarships!
Amirah Rachwani | Alumni Advancement Scholarship
supported by Ian Neil SC
Cristelle Cabrera | Baxter Marr Scholarship
supported by Annabel Baxter and David Marr
Ziggy Grana | Perry Foundation Art Scholarship
supported by the R&J Perry Family Foundation
Launched this year, these scholarships provide financial assistance and creative opportunities for students undertaking the new BFA (Hons) degree in 2026.
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Portraits: @soybased_snack
Dec 22
Save on Summer School 2026 short courses!
Enrol online before Monday 15 December 2025 to receive 10% off.
Designed for students of all levels and led by professional artist-educators, these focused five-day courses build practical skills, confidence and creative thinking across a range of disciplines.
Learn more 🔗 in bio
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Photos: Peter Morgan
Dec 13
We are pleased to announce that applications are now open for the Prudence MacLeod Prize.
The Prudence MacLeod Prize, which will continue for a further three years, supports a recent National Art School graduate to undertake a six-month residency at @acme.art, London.
Supported by the Lansdowne Foundation, the Prize provides an emerging artist with an opportunity to step forward into an expanded, international context at a vital time in their career. The artist will live and work in London, one of the world`s great art cities, in a supportive artist community. This important opportunity will enable the artist to forge professional international contacts, explore London`s art world and rich cultural resources, and produce a new body of work.
The recipient of this Prize will receive:
– Return travel to London. To be arranged for the artist by NAS.
– Studio accommodation and workspace at Acme Studios for 6 months.
– Living stipend of $AUD3,500 per month for 6 months. Total $AUD21,000.
Application deadline: Sunday 1 February 2026, 11.59pm
Residency: Monday 6 July – Friday 18 December 2026
The Prudence MacLeod Prize is open to eligible NAS alumni who have graduated within the past five years and meet the selection criteria.
Learn more 🔗 in bio.
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Acme Fire Station, 30 Gillender Street, 1999 © Acme Archive
Dec 11
Congratulations to all students recognised in last night`s awards ceremony!
A special acknowledgement to our major award recipients: Jed Payten, Nikita Maricic, Frankie Abroon, Harri Barnes, Lihnida Krstanoska-Blazeska, Cristelle Cabrera, Rose Rigley, Indi Wolstenholme, Lucy Russell and Majlena Muecke.
Thank you to our dedicated lecturers and technicians for their guidance and support throughout the year, and to our generous benefactors and sponsors whose commitment makes these prizes possible.
This year also marked the introduction of @arts__matter Creative Futures Award, supporting 25 BFA and MFA students as they transition from graduation into early professional practice.
🔗 in bio to view all the recipients.
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Photography: Tim Connolly
Dec 11
Thank you to everyone who joined us at the opening of The Grad Show!
Find works by this year`s cohort exhibited throughout the NAS campus until 14 December. Open daily from 11am — 5pm and until 9pm on Fridays.
View online via 🔗 in bio.
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Video: Tim Connolly
Dec 5
