The National Art School has been confirmed for a 45 year lease and ongoing funding as a State Significant Organisation by Don Harwin, the NSW Minister for the Arts. The announcement of long term occupation by the National Art School of the current site at the old Darlinghurst Gaol in Sydney will allow significant growth and development as it continues to build an art school for the 21st century.
NSW Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said, “The National Art School has called the old Darlinghurst Gaol home since 1922 and I’m delighted to confirm a new agreement for this historic property recognising the important role it plays for the promotion of the visual arts in the State. NAS has a stellar history and has produced some of Australia’s greatest artists. With a 45-year lease, its future is secure.”
The National Art School joins the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA) and Carriageworks as a State Significant Organisation. This status is granted to arts organisations with annual incomes of over $2.5million that make a significant contribution to New South Wales’ arts and cultural profile, demonstrate strong management and deliver benefits across state wide communities.
Carolyn Fletcher AM, Chair, National Art School Board added: “This is a very important milestone in the life of the National Art School. With confidence that we now have secure site tenure and guaranteed long term funding, we will be able to plan and work for an exciting future, to realise the great potential that NAS has to contribute to the artistic and cultural life of Sydney and NSW. We are very much looking forward to delivering our expanding program of activities that will engage with even more communities across Sydney and NSW.”
Steven Alderton Director and CEO National Art School said, “Long term occupation of our current site has been a much anticipated goal for the National Art School. We are here today because we provide exemplary arts education. We have so many supporters because they all know our unique studio-based teaching model works and must continue. This decision means the ongoing sustainability of the National Art School to create a leading art school in the Asia Pacific region.”