National Art School

The National Art School in Sydney’s Darlinghurst occupies the former Darlinghurst Gaol, a sandstone convict-era building dating to the 1820s. Operating since 1843, it ranks among Australia’s oldest continuously functioning art schools.

NAS distinguishes itself through sustained studio-based education and rigorous technical training in traditional disciplines – life drawing, painting, sculpture, and printmaking – at a time when many institutions have shifted towards digital-first curricula. This commitment to material knowledge and extended studio practice, taught by practising artists, has maintained the school’s relevance in contemporary art education.

The institution’s influence on Australian art is substantial. Its alumni and faculty include significant figures across generations, from colonial-era painters to contemporary Archibald Prize and international award recipients. NAS has preserved essential pedagogical elements – technical rigour, critical engagement, and authentic studio culture – while remaining responsive to contemporary practices. In an increasingly corporatised education landscape, the school maintains a focused, practice-centred approach to art training.