Australia’s early art schools were often at the centre of fomenting ideas and social critique, making a valuable contribution to society. But over the years much of their history has been lost or neglected.

Curator Eileen Chanin and archivist Steven Miller recognised the gap when researching for a book and took steps to remedy the problem. With support from the National Archives of Australia’s Ian Maclean award, they have spent the past year physically tracking down and identifying original records that give an insight into early art schools.

From the earliest years Australian art schools were more than training institutions for painters and sculptors. They were also the places where actors, designers, writers, teachers, architects and other creative minds mingled during their formative years.

‘Art schools played an important role in Australian cultural history,’ said Steven Miller. ‘The East Sydney Tech for example trained figures as diverse as the actor Rod Taylor, the photographer Max Dupain, landscape architect Harry Oakman and Reg Mombasa who formed the band Mental as Anything and designed for the Mambo label.

‘Art schools also played an important part in the tertiary education of women, who made up a significant proportion of students, and the way they have influenced Australian cultural life.’

The pair’s research has also highlighted the important role of art in the infant colony.

‘In each state we found schools that were founded pre-1850,’ said Mr Miller. ‘Australians often think the colonial settlers didn’t have time for cultural pursuits but from very early on there was emphasis on art schools throughout the land.’

Eileen Chanin said their research will allow a great deal of history to be told for the first time. ‘This spans art, social and educational history,’ she said. ‘One of the remarkable things is the age of activity. Australia was ahead of the rest of the world in recognising the value of education.’ Ms Chanin was also very moved by the part played by individuals.

‘Canberra is now renowned for its cultural institutions but they are new, only 30 years old and some are in the process of coming into being. If you look at what happened in Canberra in the 1970s, there were no institutions, no cultural bodies. Everything was maintained by the goodwill of hardworking volunteers. It shows how vital the arts are and, as well as their contribution to cultural and intellectual wellbeing, the part they play in the economy of Canberra. It’s significant.’

The project covered art schools throughout Australia with Ms Chanin and Mr Miller dividing the various states and territories between them.

Eileen Chanin and Steven Miller presented a public lecture on their findings at the National Archives of Australia at 12.30 pm on Thursday 21 June.