On Friday 11 July, we held an industry day as part of our opening weekend celebrations, which included artist talks and art making opportunities. Below are recordings of the artists talks, where you can hear directly from the guest curatorium and the featured artists in The Neighbour at the Gate.
The Neighbour at the Gate | Artist Talks Archive
Jacky Cheng in conversation with Zali Morgan
Hear artist Jacky Cheng in conversation with exhibition co-curator Zali Morgan.
In the talk, Jacky discusses her commissioned installation Imaginary Homelands (2025) inspired by her Malyasian-Chinese ancestry and the paifang gate (牌坊), a form of traditional Chinese architecture which symbolically allows a person to pass from the mundane to the sacred in a liminal space. Cheng draws on the symbolism of the gate, as both a transitory space suggestive of travel or migration, and a structure that regulates movement to either welcome or exclude, offering passage and protection.
Elham Eshraghian-Haakansson in conversation with Dr. Kamran Eshraghian
Hear Iranian-Australian artist Elham Eshraghian-Haakansson in conversation with her father Dr. Kamran Eshraghian, facilitated by exhibition co-curator Zali Morgan.
They discuss Elham’s commissioned video installation God of War (2025) which reflects on the search for home amidst displacement, and experiences of love in its many forms.
Jenna Mayilema Lee in conversation with Christopher Bandirra Lee
Hear Gulumerridjin (Larrakia) Wardaman and KarraJarri woman artist Jenna Mayilema Lee in conversation with her father Christopher Bandirra Lee, facilitated by lead exhibition curator Clothilde Bullen OAM.
They discuss Jenna’s commissioned installation Portal to the Bangarr (billabong) (2025) which reflects on transitional spaces that transcend physical boundaries, using water—and specifically the bangarr or billabong—as a metaphor for deep cultural connection and shared histories around food and ritual.
James Nguyen in conversation with Nguyễn Công Chính and Nhung Kim Thị Nguyễn
Hear artist James Nguyen in conversation with his uncle Nguyễn Công Chính and aunty Nhung Kim Thị Nguyễn, facilitated by lead exhibition curator Clothilde Bullen OAM.
In the talk, they discuss James’ commissioned installation Homeopathies_where new trees grow (2025), a work about ritual and resilience, tied to James’ Vietnamese family heritage and the environmental impacts of Agent Orange in Vietnam and Australia.
Dennis Golding in conversation with Michael Do
Hear Kamilaroi/Gamilaraay artist Dennis Golding in conversation with exhibition co-curator Michael Do.
Together they discuss Dennis’ commissioned artwork Bingo (2025), a large constellation of etchings reflecting ideas about forged spaces of belonging and resistance. Drawing from personal memories of growing up on Gadigal Country in Redfern, Sydney, Golding’s work highlights collective Aboriginal narratives and the ongoing impacts of colonisation in Australia.
Artists and Curators Panel Talk
Hear directly from The Neighbour at the Gate artists and curators in a panel talk chaired by acclaimed journalist Nakari Thorpe, unpacking the themes of the exhibition.
With Jacky Cheng, Elham Eshraghian-Haakansson, Dennis Golding (Kamilaroi/Gamilaraay), Jenna Mayilema Lee (Gulumerridjin (Larrakia), Wardaman, KarraJarri) and James Nguyen in conversation with Clothilde Bullen OAM (Wardandi Noongar and Badimaya Yamatji), Micheal Do and Zali Morgan (Whadjuk Balladong and Wilman Noongar).
Nakari Thorpe is a Gunnai, Gunditjmara and Gooreng Gooreng woman from Victoria and Queensland. She is a presenter and Indigenous Communities reporter with ABC News in Sydney, providing coverage across television, radio and digital. She previously worked as a multi-platform reporter with SBS and NITV covering federal politics in the Canberra Press Gallery at Parliament House and national Indigenous affairs.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Open Day last Saturday! Don’t forget: applications for the Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS) round close on Friday 3 October.
We have more in-person and online info sessions coming up. Sign up via link in bio to find out what makes NAS different from all other Fine Art degrees or receive one-on-one feedback on your portfolio from a member of the NAS Academic Team.
Image credit: Nicole Anderson (@nicoleandersonphotography)
Sep 9
The National Art School is seeking an experienced Exhibition Officer with strong attention to detail to join the NAS Gallery team.
As Exhibitions Officer, you’ll be a key operational support to the NAS Gallery team, helping deliver a vibrant program of exhibitions, talks, and events. You’ll coordinate volunteers, maintain gallery presentation standards, assist with production and publications, and contribute to audience engagement aligned with the School’s strategic goals.
To learn more about the position and to apply, visit nas.edu.au (link in bio).
Sep 8
Buy tickets to join us for an unforgettable evening as we support the timeless treasures of the National Art School, our artists.
National Treasures is a glittering gala where the rare brilliance of our most esteemed artists shines brighter than a diamond.
Bid in silent and live auctions featuring extraordinary works by NAS Fellows and alumni and compete for once-in-a-lifetime experiences that money (almost!) can’t buy. Then dance into the night as our iconic Cell Block Theatre is taken over with live music, DJs, artist activations, immersive projections, gourmet food, and flowing beverages.
NAS Gala | National Treasures
Art Auction and Cocktail Party
Friday 21 November, 6.00pm – 11.30pm
Cell Block Theatre, National Art School
Purchase tickets at the link in bio.
Sep 7
Join us for Open Day this Saturday!
Today is your last chance to register to secure your spot (link in bio). Visit our Eventbrite page to download the Open Day program brochure and plan your day.
Sep 4
The National Art School is seeking an outstanding and experienced arts educator to join us as Head of Learning and Teaching.
The successful candidate will provide academic leadership including working closely with the Heads of academic departments and programs to lead the development and implementation of learning and teaching activities of higher education programs. This includes the development and delivery of curricula, the management of departmental staff and the development of learning and teaching resources.
The Head of Learning and Teaching is expected to provide artistic and scholarly leadership through professional example and will have a track record of original and innovative contributions to the advancement of scholarship, research and teaching within their respective field.
To learn more about the position and to apply, visit nas.edu.au.
Sep 3
Congratulations to NAS Alumni Ali Tahayori (@alitahayori) for being named the recipient of the 2025 NSW Visual Arts Fellowship (Emerging). and to Sophie Cape (@sophiecapeartist) for winning the 2025 Hadley`s Art Prize.
With a history spanning over 120 years, the 2025 NSW Visual Arts Fellowship remains one of the most significant springboards for the next generation of artists in NSW. The 2025 NSW Visual Arts Fellowship exhibition is on now at Artspace (@artspacesydney).
Established by Hadley’s Orient Hotel, Hobart in 2017, the Hadley’s Art Prize (@hadleysartprize) is one of Australia’s most lucrative art awards that celebrates landscape art. The collection of winning artworks are displayed at Hadley’s Orient Hotel.
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1) Ali Tahayori, `Union and Separation`, 2025. Installation view, 2025 NSW Visual Arts Fellowship (Emerging), Artspace, Sydney, 2025. Photo: Hamish McIntosh
2) Sophie Cape, `Thunder shifts the shivering sands`, 2024, rust, charcoal, soil, pigment and binder on canvas, 148cm x 160cm. Photo: Jessica King
Sep 2
