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 National Art School utilises its independent identity and distinctive teaching & learning methods to realise this mission through the development of creativity and visual and cultural awareness in an international context.

The aims and objectives of the National Art School are:

* To be a centre of excellence for the delivery of high quality specialist education in studio-based visual arts and related fields.

* To be at the forefront of learning, creativity and practice in the visual arts, nationally and internationally.

* To provide high quality education that fosters the acquisition and interrelationship of technical skills with creative invention.

* To ensure that practice, research and scholarship in drawing is a core visual language and underpins creative development in all aspects of provision.

* To situate all programs of study within the art historical, theoretical, cultural and professional contexts appropriate to the development of knowledge and understanding of the studio arts.

* To promote the widest possible participation and diversity of students by recruiting locally, nationally, and internationally.

* To ensure that all academic staff are distinguished in their field as actively practicing artists, scholars and/or researchers, recognized nationally and internationally.

The National Art School is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. It is closed for all Public Holidays.
The NAS Gallery is open during exhibitions, Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm.