Adelaide Central School of Art

Central Artist Supplies is the in-house supplier to Adelaide Central School of Art (ACSA).

Established in 1982, Adelaide Central School of Art is an independent, not-for-profit, Higher Education organisation specialising in the training and education of practising visual artists. This focus is reflected in the three-part structure of School, Gallery and Studios, its curricula and pedagogy and especially in its policy of employing only practising artists as teachers.

The School's approach to visual arts education is based on the assumption that there is an accessible, cumulative body of knowledge associated with the making of visual art. There is a strong belief that the creation of meaning in art is inseparable from its making and for that reason students must acquire a sound level of technical and conceptual competence and teachers of art should be artists practicing in the areas in which they teach.

Finally, it is considered that in a changing, pluralistic world, students must be exposed to a very wide range of art and ideas from which to develop their own.

To support its philosophy the School has adopted a traditional "atelier" model of visual arts education and training which is taken to mean small groups with the opportunity for one-to-one interaction, an emphasis on studio practice and the importance of the role of artists as teachers.

Pedagogical skills and the School's values are passed to new staff by induction procedures and mentoring by more senior and experienced staff. There is also a commitment to ensure ongoing staff development of each lecturer's teaching and professional art practice.