The National Art School (NAS) is hosting an exciting new exhibition, “The Neighbour at the Gate” from Friday, 11 July – Saturday, 18 October 2025. It is a seminal exhibition with strong nods to Asian Australians and First Nations experiences. 

“The Neighbour at the Gate” explores issues of immigration policies and colonialism in Australia through the lens of Asian Australian and First Nations experiences. The artists also interrogate the historical relationship of exclusion and resistance, connecting past and memory with nationhood.

NAS brings in guest curators led by Clothilde Bullen OAM (Wardandi Noongar and Badimaya Yamatji), with Micheal Do and Zali Morgan (Whadjuk Balladong and Wilman Noongar) for “The Neighbour at the Gate”. The exhibition also displays newly commissioned work from seminal artists, Jacky Cheng, Elham Eshraghian-Haakansson, Dennis Golding (Kamilaroi/Gamilaraay), Jenna Mayilema Lee (Gulumerridjin (Larrakia), Wardaman, KarraJarri), James Nguyen and James Tylor (Kaurna, Thura-Yura language region). They explore various media and perspectives.

The NSW Government proudly supports the Neighbour at the Gate through the Blockbusters Funding initiative. Along with the main exhibition, there will also be a publication, a learning and education framework and public programs.

The Neighbour at The Gate will be exhibiting until 18 October 2025. Entry is free and open to the public. It is exhibiting Monday to Saturday between 11 am – 5 pm.

We spoke to NAS Senior Curator Katrina Cashman about “The Neighbour at The Gate”.