SMH: Lunch with Don Harwin in the NAS Cafe

SMH: Lunch with Don Harwin in the NAS Cafe

Article by Linda Morris. Photo by Sam Mooy.

It’s been two weeks since the MP farewelled the NSW Parliament, and two days since the former arts minister was named as a board member of the Australian Council for the Arts for a three-year term, among a rush of party appointments before the election.

Harwin takes his seat at the cafe at the National Arts School after his career swap. He is sporting a neat stubble beard and suit jacket with kerchief.

The NAS Art/Bar and Kitchen is a casual hangout for students and artists within the sandstone walls of the Old Darlinghurst Gaol. There is no menu to speak of – the eclectically decorated cafe serves barista coffee and largely vegetarian and vegan fare at student prices. Harwin orders a cappuccino.

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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
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
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