National Art School

The National Art School is the oldest, most prestigious visual arts institute in Australia with origins that can be traced back to 1843.

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 NASs 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.

It has a rich tradition of artistic practice and a well-renowned alumni. Housed in the historic walls of the old Darlinghurst Gaol in Sydneys 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.

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.

In 2022, Wendy Whiteley made a $500,000 bequest to the National Art School (NAS). The Wendy and Arkie Whiteley Endowment Fund, honouring her late daughter, will be used to support female students and alumni of NAS, including help with exhibitions, residencies and acquisitions of their work for the NAS Collection.

LOCATION
The National Art School is located on the corner of Forbes Street and Burton Streets, Darlinghurst NSW 2010

POSTAL ADDRESS
National Art School
156 Forbes St
Darlinghurst NSW 2010

GETTING HERE
Conveniently located next to Taylor Square, NAS is located in the heart of Darlinghurst and is easily accessible by public transport.

By bike NAS is very close to the Bourke Street cycleway and we have ample bike racks.

By bus is a two minute walk from Oxford Street. Buses are frequent and easy to catch on Oxford Street, get off at Taylor Square and walk down Forbes Street to NAS.

By train is a 10 minute walk from Kings Cross station or Museum Station, exit the station at Hyde Park (the corner of Liverpool and Elizabeth Street) and head up Oxford Street to NAS.

As bus, rail and ferry timetables and routes can change, we suggest you visit the Transport for NSW trip planner before you set out.

We have no public parking available on-site, however paid parking is available on the surrounding streets and the St Vincent's Hospital car park. Should you require accessible parking, please contact us at enquiries@nas.edu.au or on +61 2 9339 8744 for us to arrange prior to your visit.