The National Art School is the oldest, most prestigious visual arts institute in Australia with origins that can be traced back to 1843. It has a rich tradition of artistic practice and a well-renowned alumni. Housed in the historic walls of the old Darlinghurst Gaol in Sydney’s premier Arts precinct, the NAS offers a select number of full time students, Bachelor, Honours and Masters of Fine Art courses and for the community a comprehensive range of part-time and intensive short courses.

The NAS utilises the studio based Atelier Method of teaching where there is a high ratio of staff to students with intensive instruction by professional practising artists taking place in a studio environment. Click here for further information.

Students have access to over 80 eminent practising artists with established studios and art historians who lecture, lead by example and provide intensive tuition. Drawing, art history and theory and their relationships to contemporary culture are taught each year of the undergraduate programs.

For high school students, courses include the HSC Extension Workshops and for Year 11 students, the Dobell School.

The NAS values its links with countries including Japan, Korea, United Kingdom, USA, Sweden and France where art exchange and art practice enhances the studio based tradition of learning and scholarship.

Aside from courses, the NAS has a year long program of exhibitions, plays and lectures as an integral part of the Art Forum series.

The NAS’s historic venues including the Cell Block Theatre and The Chapel are also available for hire for commercial events, theatrical productions and private and public functions.