The National Art School's Darlinghurst Campus is the primary and sole location for its renowned art education programs, offering a comprehensive range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in visual arts and contemporary practices. As Australia's leading art school with a heritage-listed campus, it provides students with state-of-the-art facilities including studios, galleries, and workshops tailored for creative exploration.
The flagship program is the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), a three-year full-time degree that immerses students in professional art-making. Majors include Ceramics, where students master traditional and experimental techniques using clay, glazes, and kilns to create sculptural and functional works; Painting, focusing on contemporary approaches to oil, acrylic, and mixed media on canvas and other surfaces; Photography and Situated Media, emphasizing digital imaging, lens-based arts, and installation practices; Printmedia and Drawing, exploring etching, lithography, screenprinting, and innovative drawing methods; and Sculpture, involving installation, performance, and three-dimensional fabrication with materials like metal, wood, and found objects.
Postgraduate offerings include the Master of Fine Art (MFA), a two-year program for advanced research and studio practice, and the Graduate Certificate in Visual Arts, ideal for career changers or skill enhancement. Short courses and workshops in drawing, life modeling, and art history are also available, catering to hobbyists and professionals. The curriculum integrates critical theory, professional practice, and industry engagement, with guest lectures from leading artists. Students benefit from the campus's vibrant community, annual exhibitions like the NAS Graduate Show, and connections to Sydney's art scene. This holistic education prepares graduates for careers in galleries, education, curation, and independent practice, emphasizing innovation and cultural contribution. With a focus on sustainability and diversity, the programs adapt to contemporary challenges, ensuring relevance in the evolving art world. Overall, the Darlinghurst Campus delivers transformative learning experiences that nurture individual voices while building technical mastery and conceptual depth.
