NAS Reconciliation Action Plan

Acknowledgement of Country

The National Art School (NAS) sits on Gadigal land – Always Was, Always Will Be. NAS recognises the Traditional Owners and Custodians of knowledge of the Lands on which we work, learn and make art. NAS’ core tenets include art, creativity, education and place. With respect and understanding from NAS, we acknowledge First Peoples sovereignty has never been ceded. Learning directly from First Peoples perspectives and coming together in this important place of knowledge and ancestral significance. We remain committed to acknowledging the truth of our shared history and the impact this continues to have on our reconciliation journey.

 

Our Vision for Reconciliation

At a broad level, our vision for reconciliation is an Australia that embraces unity between Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples (referred to as First Peoples throughout this RAP) and other non-Indigenous Australians and a national culture that represents equality and equity, and historical acceptance of our shared histories.

Importantly, our vision for reconciliation begins with and is informed by the site upon which NAS operates, being the former Darlinghurst Gaol, located on Gadigal Land. We recognise the importance of ‘place’ and the experiences of First Peoples at the NAS site, from prior to colonisation to current day. We are aware of the important role that historical acceptance plays in our reconciliation journey. We are committed to and acknowledge the responsibility of raising awareness of the history of this site through our academic curriculum, engagement with staff, students and community through our public programs.

In the context of the core business of our organisation and the primary work that we do, our vision for reconciliation extends to supporting artists to continue their fine arts tertiary education. This includes learning under the guidance of First Peoples in an inclusive and culturally safe and diverse learning environment. In this regard, our culturally responsive practice and pedagogy is informed by our First Peoples Strategy. Where relevant, we will also seek guidance from the key findings set out in the Australian Institute for Teaching and Learning School Leadership Limited (AITSL) ‘Building a cultural responsive Australian teaching workforce’ document.

Together we will nurture respectful relationships that will see First Peoples and non-Indigenous people shape a shared understanding and respect.

#Follow us on Instagram
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.
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.
Led by art educators and inspired by James Nguyen’s new installation work 'Homeopathies_where trees grow' (2025), join us for a free drop-in artmaking workshop to make your own incense holder out of clay which will become part of the evolving artwork in the NAS Gallery, commissioned for The Neighbour at the Gate. 

Next Saturday, 12 July, between 11am – 3pm.

Visit our website to view the full program (link in bio).

The Neighbour at the Gate has been made possible with the generous support of the NSW Government through its Blockbusters Funding initiative.
Next Saturday, join us for a fun-filled day of family friendly, free creative activities. There will be sound baths, drop-in artmaking, children's activities, an artists and curators panel talk, followed by dj sets and food trucks. Stick around for after-hours access to the gallery and the Shared Skies Music Concert with BARKAA, Rainbow Chan and DJ Rocky Stallone (ticketed, 18+). 

Visit our website to view the full program (link in bio).

The Neighbour at the Gate has been made possible with the generous support of the NSW Government through its Blockbusters Funding initiative.
Loading...