10 Top Art Schools in Sydney & Their Program Details

Creativity is an essential skill for success in the world today. And art like every other creative skill is a kind of heritage and exploration. Anyone can learn to draw and paint if they have the talent, desire, and motivation to do it. 

There are a variety of top art schools in Sydney that can increase your art appreciation and give rise to many creative ideas. Top Art schools in Sydney build art skills and provide the essential foundation to students. This enables students to develop their signature style and then explore ways to communicate their creative messages with an audience.

Top Art Schools in Sydney

Here is a list of top art schools in Sydney, with their history, programs, and what they offer.

1. Sydney Art School / The Julian Ashton Art School (SAS/JAAS)

In 1890 Julian Ashton opened the, now famous, Sydney Art School in Beaumont Chambers, and Celebrated painters who came from this. The original policy of The Sydney Art School has been and remains to this day that; “art alone is the language of art”. 

The school does not engage with academic analysis, contemporary or otherwise, studied best at Universities where language is the dominant means of expression.

SAS/JAAS has a reputation for training students to the highest standards in drawing, painting, and silversmithing.

Also, the School is committed to providing high-quality vocational education and training programs. Students get the opportunity to learn new skills, upgrade existing skills and obtain Nationally Recognised Qualifications. 

Sydney Art School is a Registered Training Organisation accredited to offer Qualifications under the Australian Qualifications Framework for domestic & international students.

This is the only private tertiary college in Australia to offer qualifications in visual arts at Certificate III, IV, Diploma, and Advanced Diploma levels.

The School is a CRICOS registered provider and enables students from overseas countries to study in Australia.  (*Commonwealth Register of International Courses for Overseas Students)

Tutors include some of the best award-winning Australian artists,  professional art practitioners and educators. 

Degrees offered:

Certificate & Diploma Courses 

Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts

Diploma Of Visual Arts

Certificate IV in Visual Arts

  • Drawing
  • Art classes 
  • Painting
  • Jewelry
  • Printmaking
  • Kids Art Classes
  • Workshops
  • Corporate Art Workshops 
  • Silversmithing
  • Art workshops
  • School Holiday Art Classes and Workshops

Contact Details:

Address: 

CAMPUS 1: THE ROCKS

117 George St. The Rocks, Sydney – City. (opposite the MCA)

CAMPUS 2: HEADLAND PARK

Building 17, 1100A Middle Head Rd (CNR of Cobbittee St). Lower Georges Heights.

Phone: (02) 9043 6636

             +61 2 9241 1641

Email: service@sydneyartschool.com.au

Website: www.sydneyartschool.com.au

2. The University Of Sydney (Sydney College of the Arts)

The University of Sydney (Sydney College of Arts) is Sydney’s leading contemporary art school for education and research.

For more than four decades they have been a ground for exceptional contemporary artists, researchers, and curators.

This is Sydney’s first tertiary art school, and they have led the way in studio-based visual arts practice and education since 1976.

This school delivers innovative contemporary art programs that support the professional success of students after study.

The University of Sydney Art school offers programs/studies in:

Postgraduate:

  • Moving Image

The Master of Moving Image focuses on contemporary moving image production, and this teaches how to develop a film project from concept to screen. Students have access to editing laboratories, gallery spaces, art studios, practical expertise, and shared postgraduate culture.

  • Visual Arts

Visual Arts are focused on providing the conceptual, theoretical, and technical skills students need to succeed as practicing artists or in a range of careers in the creative industries. Students have access to gallery spaces, art studios, practical expertise, and shared postgraduate culture.

  • Visual Arts Postgraduate Cross-Institutional
  • Visual Arts Postgraduate Non-Degree
  • Research 
  • Master of Fine Arts
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Visual Arts

Undergraduate:

  • Bachelor of Visual Arts
  • Bachelor of Visual Arts and Bachelor of Advanced Studies
  • Visual Arts (Honours)
  • Visual Arts Undergraduate Cross-Institutional
  • Visual Arts Undergraduate Non-Degree
  • Visual Arts major
  • Visual Arts minor

Contact Details: 

3. The National Art School

The National Art School is an art school in Sydney that has several years of expertise in teaching arts. Students at NAS have a choice of key disciplines.

Courses:

Bachelor of Fine Art

  • Ceramics
  • Drawing
  • Painting
  • Photo media
  • Printmaking and 
  • Sculpture – and also the opportunities for cross-disciplinary work. 

All BFA students study drawing as a core skill throughout the degree and gain an important theoretical and historical understanding of art practice from the Art History & Theory faculty.

Master of Fine Art

  • Ceramics
  • Drawing
  • Painting
  • Photo media
  • Printmaking or Sculpture. 

MFA Students can also choose to pursue cross-disciplinary practices.

Doctor of Fine Art

This offers an in-depth understanding of the technical and theoretical skills expected of a professional practitioner in the visual arts. 

Short Courses

  • Art History
  • Ceramics 
  • Drawing 
  • Painting
  • Photomedia
  • Printmaking
  • Sculpture 
  • Studio Extra 

Contact Details:

4. Art Est

Art Est is one of Sydney’s leading independent art schools, offering in-studio and online art classes for kids, teens, and adults. They have been operating for over 14 years and have created a community of local creatives.

Classes are run by practicing and award-winning Australian artists. They offer term courses for week-on-week learning, a year-round workshop program for adults and a school holiday workshop program for kids and teens.

Classes and Courses:

  • Ceramics
  • Drawing Classes
  • Illustration
  • Collage And Mixed Media
  • Cartooning Classes
  • Acrylic Painting
  • Oil Painting
  • Watercolour Painting 
  • Gouache Painting
  • Life Drawing Classes
  • Painting Classes
  • Printmaking Classes
  • Pottery
  • Sculpture
  • Textile Classes
  • Travel Sketching Classes

Contact Details:

5. Eastwood Art School 

Eastwood art school is a place to experience and explore the fun of Art. They have over 25 years of rich teaching experience.

They provide art programs for;  little artists (4-5), young artists (6-8), intermediate (8-11), and teen and adult artist groups (12-adult) for all ages.

Students create their very own unique pieces of artwork in a stress-free party atmosphere. 

They offer:

  • Art Classes 
  • Oil Painting 
  • Pencil Sketching
  • Watercolor Painting
  • Manga
  • Art Craft
  • Painting
  • Spraying
  • Sponging
  • Playing

Contact Details:

Address: kiosk 218/52 Rowe St, Eastwood NSW 2122

Phone: 0429 910 890

Website: www.eastwoodartschool.com.au

6. Makers Loft

Makers Loft is an art school in Sydney, they also handle event projects.

Programs Include:

  • School Holiday Workshops
  • Holiday Art & Craft Workshops & Camps
  • Ceramic
  • Pottery
  • Sewing
  • Macrame
  • Felting and much more

Workshops & Classes:

They Offer Workshops & Classes in Art, Craft & Lifestyle projects for Adults, Kids and Teens, Studio Use & membership, Pottery Wheel & Kiln Hire. The school has adequate facilities and space, and students are provided with a relaxed creative atmosphere for a range of Art and Craft spaces to work on personal projects. 

Contact Details:

7. Start Art School

Start Art School is an independent children’s art school located in a large, light & airy studio in Willoughby, Sydney. They have been operating since 2016 and offer art lessons focused on teaching art to children.

They provide an environment for creative thinking and use a wide range of art mediums within a fun engaging curriculum.

The school programs help children to build self-esteem in a supportive environment where there are no mistakes, only opportunities to create.

Courses:

  • ​Painting.
  • Basic skills of color mixing.
  • Form & line development and strengthening of fine motor skills.
  • Hand-eye coordination and observational skills.
  • Fundamental skills of line, shape, form, tone, color, and composition.

Contact Details:

8. Yea Art Studio 

Yea Art Studio is a professional art studio located in Sydney. The school was established in 2015 and over the years, they have been adhering to the mission of disseminating art.

They offer traditional drawing classes and aim to show fine art more vividly and simply. This helps learners achieve mastery of drawing skills and art foundation with a comprehensive art course study.

Recommended age: Children over 5 years old and young students

Programs/Services:

  • Oil Painting.
  • Water Color.
  • Sketch.
  • Chinese Painting and Calligraphy.
  •  Creative Design and Life.
  • Art Appreciation and Theory.
  • Illustration for children.
  • Acrylic/Painting.
  • Pen Drawing.
  • Handmade pottery.

Contact Address:

  • Address: 438 Victoria Ave, Chatswood NSW 2067
  • Phone: 0424 916 660
  • Tel: 0468 781 213
  • Website: www.yeaartstudio.com

9. NorthShore School of Art

The Northshore School of Art was founded in 1999 as an independent art school in Sydney Australia. They teach students a basic “Hands-On” method of “Learning to See” objects in a realistic way, and how to build on observational skills and increase confidence to draw.

They specialize in art history which comprises philosophy, romanticism, theology, and impressionism, to expand students’ understanding of (what, why, and where) painting and drawing fit into the great scheme of life. 

They Offer Programs in:

  • Draw & Oil Paint.
  • iPad Art.
  • Watercolor.
  • Workshop.
  • Beginners Portrait.
  • Life drawing.
  • Draw & Watercolour.
  • Draw & Oil Paint.

Tuition: http://art-art.com.au/nsa1/course-and-fee-list/

Contact Details:

  • Postal Address: PO Box 603, Spit Junction NSW 2088 Australia
  • Phone:: +61 (0)2 9968 1233
  • Email: info@art-art.com.au
  • Website: www.art-art.com.au/nsai/

10. Waverley Woollahra Art School

Since 1968, Waverley Woollahra Art School has provided high-quality art education by practicing artists. It is the arts hub of Sydney’s eastern suburbs, offering a range of art courses, talks, workshops, residencies, and shows.

The courses are all based on a practical hands-on approach and are open to everyone. No previous experience or knowledge of a subject is required except where stated. 

Classes include:

  • Painting
  • Drawing
  • Mixed media
  • Life drawing
  • Watercolors
  • Ceramics
  • Mosaic
  • Sculpture
  • Printmaking
  • Children Art
  • Teenager Art and
  • Pottery classes.

The Arts School also runs popular School Holiday Programs for children and teenagers.

Contact Details:

  • Address: 138 Bondi Road, Bondi NSW 2026
  • Phone: 02 9387 2461 
  • Email: info@wwas.org.au
  • Website: www.wwas.org.au

Is Sydney art school good?

Sydney Art School has a reputation for training students to the highest standards in drawing, painting, and silversmithing.

Do I need an art degree to be an artist?

No, you don’t need a degree in art to be an artist. Art is a creative skill and a kind of heritage. You just need to have the talent and skill to be an artist. Unless you’re getting into education at certain types of schools, an art degree does not define how skilled you are.

What Is The Notable Art School In Sydney?

SAS/JAAS (Sydney Art School / Julian Ashton Art School) is the most notable art school in Sydney. The school has a distinction for training students to the highest standards in drawing, painting, and silversmithing

The school has tutors that include some of the best award-winning Australian artists and professionals

SAS/JAAS was classified by The National Trust as a cultural living treasure in 1989

Among a large catalog of successes, in art competitions in Australia and overseas, students from the school have won the prestigious Melbourne-based, A.M.E Bale Travelling Scholarship on ten occasions since 1990.

Is Art A Good Career?

Specializing in art is a great choice if you have the talent, good passion, and love for the arts. Artists are creative people, who work with their minds to create stunning work. Most times they work with their colleagues and people of like minds and skills to share their ideas or creativity with.

Conclusion

Studio-based learning, working with practicing artists, designers, and craft specialists can build your craft as an artist. This is also integral to any visual arts degree.

Art Schools in Sydney offer these and even more. This article contains a list of some top reputable art schools in Sydney. Carefully go through and check the one that suits your expertise.

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