About the National Art School

The National Art School is at the forefront of innovative arts practice utilising distinctive studio-based teaching models to deliver exceptional higher education and research, scholarship and professional practice. The National Art School has a firm commitment to preparing the next generation of artists to take our stories to the world and shape the future of art.

The National Art School is an independent Higher Education Institution registered with Australian Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) and has established an Academic Board to oversee the development and delivery of its accredited degree programs. The School currently offers Fine Art degrees at Bachelors, Masters, and Doctoral levels, with specialised study offered in the disciplines of Ceramics, Drawing, Painting, Photomedia, Printmaking and Sculpture, Ceramics, supported by core study in Drawing and Art History and Theory at undergraduate level. The National Art School is a State Significant Organisation in NSW, committed to being a celebrated art education institution where artists flourish, capacity is grown and where opportunities open for greater participation in art and creative cultures.

The school is a Not-for-profit organisation with charitable status under the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). Its operations include a number of philanthropic and commercial activities to financially support the school, including fundraising, short courses, venue hire and events. The National Art School is also a key contributor to the Oxford Street Cultural Precinct.

The Board of Directors

The Board of Directors has responsibility for providing leadership and direction of the National Art School and oversight of the leadership of the school. The principal mission of the National Art School is to be a centre of excellence for the provision of higher education and research, scholarship and professional practice in the visual arts and related fields. The Directors are responsible for accountability, strategy, resourcing, advocacy and monitoring.

There are three part-time Board roles available. Three directors will be appointed as ‘casual appointees’ for terms of up to one year. The directors will be eligible for re-election for a first term of up to three years. We are seeking candidates with skills and experience relevant to the National Art School Board of Directors and specifically in the areas of extensive audit, governance or philanthropy experience, and strong art and education sector knowledge.

NSW Government is committed to the Board reflecting a diversity of skills, experience and backgrounds, and encourages all interested applicants to apply.

The role

Members of the Board will contribute to the long-term strategic planning of the National Art School, including governance and oversight of the National Art School’s strategic direction and performance, and providing expert advice and support to the shareholding members and Director (CEO) on any matter relating to the school.

About you

You will have substantial skills and experience, supported by relevant qualifications, in one or more of the following areas:

activating and managing an education, commercial and/or cultural precinct;

philanthropy;

the visual arts, including alumni of the National Art School;

leading organisational reform and enhancing performance;

developing commercial, community and institutional partnerships;

audit and governance; and

higher education management.

Eligibility

You are ineligible to apply to the National Art School Board of Directors if:

You have been employed by the National Art School in the last three years

You have a business or other contractual relationship with the National Art School in the last three years

You have been involved in the management of the National Art School in the last three years.

All Board members must undertake a NSW Government probity check which may include Confirmation of Identity, National Police History, bankruptcy and directorships checks before their appointment is confirmed. Members must also satisfy the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) Fit and Proper Persons criteria.

To apply

If this sounds like you, we look forward to receiving your application. You must apply though the apply now button on I work for NSW. Please include a copy of your resume and cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role, along with the Expression of Interest form.

Further information and frequently asked questions can be found on Create NSW’s website at: National Art School Board of Directors EOI

Contact

For questions about the application process, please contact Create NSW at [email protected].

For questions about the board or roles, please contact Aimee Skinner, Executive Assistant at the National Art School at [email protected].

Closing Date: Sunday 6 July 2025 at 10:00am