Our history
UNSW School of Art & Design can trace its origins back to the establishment of The Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts in 1833.
In 2014, UNSW College of Fine Arts (COFA) altered its name to UNSW Art & Design to acknowledge its commitment to the breadth of contemporary creativity.
For more than 180 years, UNSW School of Art & Design – variously known as Sydney Technical College, the National Art School, Alexander Mackie College and the City Art Institute – has been committed to education, practice and research in art and design.
The Sydney Mechanics' School of Arts: Established in 1833 the Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts is a forebear of UNSW Art & Design.
Oxford street trams: A view from the campus, circa 1940.
Alexander Mackie College: Painting and Drawing studios in 1978.
Alexander Mackie College: Audio Recording studios in 1978.
UNSW School of Art & Design Paddington: Campus during the launch celebration following a $60m investment in new and redeveloped facilities in September 2014. Image by Hamish Ta-me..
Acknowledgement of Country
UNSW School of Art & Design stands on an important place of learning and exchange first occupied by the Bidjigal and Gadigal peoples.
We acknowledge the Bidjigal and Gadigal peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land that our students and staff share, create and operate on. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and extend this respect to all First Nations peoples across Australia. Sovereignty has never been ceded.
