Volunteer at the National Art School Gallery

About the National Art School

The National Art School is Australia’s leading art school with a progressive agenda for growth and a firm commitment to continuing studio-based education. The National Art School (NAS) is accredited through TEQSA and offers Bachelor of Fine Art, Masters and Doctorate courses in Photomedia, Painting, Sculpture, Ceramics, and Printmaking; and core subjects in Drawing and Art History and Theory. The School is at the forefront of learning, creativity and innovative practice utilising its independent identity and distinctive studio-based teaching model to deliver exceptional higher education and research, scholarship and professional practice. In 2019 the NSW Arts Minister announced a 45 year lease and ongoing funding to the National Art School as a State Significant Organisation (SSO) which has afforded ongoing certainty of tenure onsite and the foundation to build a successful independent art school.

 

The Volunteer Position

The National Art School welcomes enthusiastic volunteers with strong communication skills to support front-of-house activities in our NAS Galleries. Volunteers are required to undertake front-of-house duties.

As a volunteer you will have the opportunity to work in a small friendly team and learn more about the National Art School and the inner workings of a busy public art gallery.

Volunteers receive special curatorial walk-throughs of exhibitions, invitations to lectures and special events, complimentary publications and library borrowing benefits.

We ask volunteers to work a minimum of one three-hour shift each fortnight and commit to the program for 12 months. Volunteer work takes place Monday to Saturday between 11am and 5pm.

 

How to Apply

Please include the following in your application:

  • A covering letter addressing how your experience matches the volunteer requirements.
  • A resume citing your qualifications and outlining professional experience.

The National Art School is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

If you have any questions or if we can assist in making the application process more accessible for you, please call Juanita Hyde on 02 9339 8672 or email [email protected].

 

Please email your application to [email protected]

#Follow us on Instagram
Final weeks to visit The Neighbour at the Gate, closing Saturday 18 October. 

Across various mediums and perspectives, The Neighbour at the Gate charts the entangled legacies of exclusion and resilience, drawing vital parallels between the past and present, memory and nationhood.

Learn more about the exhibition and plan your visit at the link in bio. 

Please note: the gallery is closed for Labour Day Monday 6 October
Enjoy 20% off a Summer School Short Course with code FLASHSALE20

Don’t miss this exclusive 20% off flash sale on the National Art School Summer School Short Courses (link in bio). Flash Sale starts right now and ends midnight Monday 6 October.*

*Offer begins midday Friday 3 October and ends midnight Monday 6 October. Terms and conditions apply.
We are pleased to share the exciting news that we are introducing a new BFA (Hons) degree at the National Art School in 2026.

The Bachelor of Fine Art (Honours) is an intensive one-year program designed for graduates of the BFA who are ready to deepen their studio practice and expand their academic and professional capabilities. This course is ideal for emerging artists who want to refine their practice, build industry connections, and prepare for postgraduate study or professional opportunities in the creative sector.

New scholarships will be available to students entering the BFA (Hons), with further details to be shared later this year. For more information and key dates, visit futurestudents.nas.edu.au (link in bio).
Join us for free 18+ concert 'Afterglow' – The Neighbour at the Gate exhibition closing party.

Headlined by Miss Kaninna, the event features performances by HYLANDER, Rocky Stallone, BRINA, Kuya Hennessy, and DJ Court Jester. RSVP today as tickets are going fast!

Afterglow 
Thursday 16 October 
Doors: 4.30pm
Concert starts: 7.00pm
Cell Block Theatre, National Art School

Please note: if the Cell Block reaches capacity, you’re welcome to enjoy the concert from the courtyard until space opens up inside. Food trucks and pop up bar.

FREE ADMISSION, RSVP is essential due to limited capacity (link in bio)
Congratulations to NAS Short Courses Painting Lecturer Michelle Hiscock (@michellelouisemariehiscock) for winning the 2025 Portia Geach Memorial Award with her work, 'The Weather Watcher after Zurbarán'. 

The Portia Geach Memorial Award is the pre-eminent portraiture prize for women in Australia, established by Florence Kate Geach in memory of her sister in 1965. 

An exhibition of all finalists’ works is open for public viewing at the S.H. Ervin Gallery (@shervingallery) in The Rocks, Sydney, from Friday 19 September until Sunday 2 November.

Visit shop.nas.edu.au (link in bio) to book now for Term 4 Short Courses. Summer School Short Courses in January 2026 will open for booking from Friday 3 October. 

---
Michelle Hiscock, 'The Weather Watcher after Zurbarán', 2025, oil on linen, 50 x 40 cm, courtesy of the artist and the S.H. Ervin Gallery (The Rocks, Sydney)
Loading...