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SMH: Lunch with Don Harwin in the NAS Cafe

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SMH: Lunch with Don Harwin in the NAS Cafe

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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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Marking 20 years of the National Art School Gallery, we are thrilled to share this year`s program of ambitious group and solo exhibitions that foster critical appreciation and innovative art practice.

SEARCHERS: Graffiti and Contemporary Art
17 January – 11 April
Opening: Thurs 22 January, 6pm
Bringing together over thirty of Australia`s most dynamic artists united by one charged medium: spray paint, presented as part of @sydney_festival.

Queer Contemporary: Liz Bradshaw
13 February – 7 March
Opening: Thurs 12 February, 6pm
Experience a large-scale sculpture and installation by NAS alum Liz Bradshaw as part of @sydneymardigras.

Mitch Cairns: Artist`s Mouth
1 May – 11 July
Opening: Thurs 30 April, 6pm
Presented with the @instituteofmodernart, the largest and most comprehensive exhibition by Sydney-based artist and NAS alum Mitch Cairns.

Margaret Olley: Australian Intimiste
31 July – 25 October
Opening: Thurs 30 July, 6pm
Celebrating the legacy of NAS alum and one of Australia`s most beloved painters, Margaret Olley AC.

The Postgrad Show
6–15 November

The Grad Show
4–13 December

Full program 🔗 in bio.

—
Howard Arkley, `Triple fronted`, 1987, synthetic polymer paint on canvas, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Mollie and Jim Gowing Bequest Fund 2014 © The Estate of Howard Arkley, courtesy Kalli Rolfe Contemporary Art, image © Art Gallery of New South Wales

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Jan 8

Open post by nas_au with ID 17845191504647038
Marking 20 years of the National Art School Gallery, we are thrilled to share this year's program of ambitious group and solo exhibitions that foster critical appreciation and innovative art practice. SEARCHERS: Graffiti and Contemporary Art 17 January – 11 April Opening: Thurs 22 January, 6pm Bringing together over thirty of Australia's most dynamic artists united by one charged medium: spray paint, presented as part of @sydney_festival. Queer Contemporary: Liz Bradshaw 13 February – 7 March Opening: Thurs 12 February, 6pm Experience a large-scale sculpture and installation by NAS alum Liz Bradshaw as part of @sydneymardigras. Mitch Cairns: Artist's Mouth 1 May – 11 July Opening: Thurs 30 April, 6pm Presented with the @instituteofmodernart, the largest and most comprehensive exhibition by Sydney-based artist and NAS alum Mitch Cairns. Margaret Olley: Australian Intimiste 31 July – 25 October Opening: Thurs 30 July, 6pm Celebrating the legacy of NAS alum and one of Australia's most beloved painters, Margaret Olley AC. The Postgrad Show 6–15 November The Grad Show 4–13 December Full program 🔗 in bio. — Howard Arkley, 'Triple fronted', 1987, synthetic polymer paint on canvas, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Mollie and Jim Gowing Bequest Fund 2014 © The Estate of Howard Arkley, courtesy Kalli Rolfe Contemporary Art, image © Art Gallery of New South Wales

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.

—
Acme Fire Station, 30 Gillender Street, 1999 © Acme Archive

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Dec 11

Open post by nas_au with ID 17852100045598290
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. — Acme Fire Station, 30 Gillender Street, 1999 © Acme Archive
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