The National Art School - History

The National Art School has the longest history of any Art Education Establishment in Australia. Since 1859, the current day National Art School has been a place of distinct artistic instruction, and a major attraction to art students and art teachers alike.

Over a century and a half ago, NAS began as the Sydney Mechanics School of the Arts. Then in 1921, the school became the East Sydney Technical College, and was relocated to the Old Darlinghurst Gaol and offered many diplomas in the arts, including painting, sculpture, ceramics, design, and commercial art. At that time, the art school also offered a range of part-time and short courses. By the early 1960’s, nearly 500 full-time art students and 1,000 part-time art students were taught by 93 staff members.

With the creation of the College of Advanced Education, NAS lost its independence as an institution, and merged with Alexander Mackie School of Art, and then the College of Fine Art at the University of New South Wales. However, some courses continued to be taught in the Old Darlinghurst Gaol with the help of NAS alumni. A twenty year battle for the title of the finest Art School in Australia began to take place.

Finally in 1995, the students, staff, and members of the Sydney art community demonstrated in support of independence for the National Art School from the TAFE school system. While demonstrators marched at Martin Place to Parliament House, leading international art critic, Robert Hughes, sent letters of support from New York, forcing the leader of the opposition, Bob Carr, to give NAS its independence.