The National Art School Library is where ideas take shape. This specialist fine arts library supports the curriculum of the School. The collection supports every stage of the artist’s journey, from undergraduate studies through postgraduate research and beyond.

 

Students, educators, and the wider creative community come here to explore critical texts, artist monographs, exhibition catalogues, and visual resources that inform contemporary practice. The collection evolves alongside our programs, ensuring artists have access to the knowledge they need to develop their work and thinking.

Whether you’re a Bachelor of Fine Art student researching your next project, an educator deepening your field of expertise, or a member of the public pursuing creative learning, the Library is open to you.

Opening Hours

Semester time:
Monday – Thursday: 9:00am – 6:00pm
Friday: 9:00am – 4:00pm

Holiday time:
Monday – Friday: 9:00am – 4:00pm
Closed weekends and public holidays

Library inside2 lucy bird copy

Services

Print and digital collections can be discovered and accessed via the NAS Library catalogue. 

The NAS Library also holds several Special Collections including Artists’ Books and Rare Books. Special Collections may be accessed by request. 

NAS Library offers workshops, one-on-one research consultations, and expert guidance from our specialised team. 

Staff and students can find further information and book consultations on the Student Portal. 

NAS Library and its collections are available onsite for all members of the public throughout the year, Monday to Friday. 

Public Program students enrolled in short courses and workshops are granted library membership for the duration of their course. This membership allows for a 2‑week loan of 5 items. 

Annual membership for the community is $100/$80 concession, which allows for a 2‑week loan of 5 items. 

Membership information and registration are available at the front desk. 

The Library Stairwell Gallery operates a rigorous program of degree student exhibitions throughout the year, including the NAS Library Artists’ Book Annual which runs December- January and Queer Contemporary in February. 

Follow our socials for updates on LSG events and student opportunities.  

Find 20 years of LSG exhibition posters archived here. 

Applications are now open for the Library Stairwell Gallery. 

Library Stairwell Gallery Application Form

Name
First Name
Last Name
Pronouns 
NAS email 
Phone 
Preferred Timing 
How many levels of the LSG do you want to use? 
Proposed Title 
Included Media 
Approx. Number of Works 
Curatorial Statement (200 words) 

Please provide a short curatorial statement that overviews the themes and ideas you are hoping to present in the exhibition. (maximum 200 words)

Artworks (200 words) 

Briefly describe the body of work; include at least 2 examples. Max 200 words

Installation (100 words) 

How will the work be displayed? Briefly describe the installation (e.g. 3D works on floor, plinths, framed works hung, resting on wall, projector etc.). Max 100 words.

Supporting Documents 

Please upload 2 images of artworks per participant (to a maximum of 10). OR Add them all to one PDF under 10MB. Please name files: FirstName_LastName_Title_Year | Accepted file types: JPG, PDF, GIF, PNG, BMP, MP4.

Participant Information 

Please list the names and contact details of all artists featured in the proposal.

o Full Name

o NAS Email

o Mobile

o Current Year: BFA1 etc

o Studio Major

Content, Privacy and Ethical Considerations 

Does the proposed exhibition include any of the following

Confirmation
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Contact Us

The National Art School acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Traditional Owners on whose Country we meet, share and create. We pay our respects to all Gadigal Elders past and present. We celebrate the diversity, history, knowledge and creativity of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Australia. 

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