Artists back head of school Protest: Archibald winner John Olsen (pictured) is "alarmed" that Professor Anita Taylor's contract has not been renewed. Photo: Simone De Peak Archibald Prize winner John Olsen is among 24 artists, academics and gallery owners who have signed a letter protesting against the treatment of the director of the National Art School, Professor Anita Taylor. The letter to the chairman and board of the NAS says the signatories, including another Archibald Prize winner John Beard and gallery director Anna Schwartz, are "alarmed" that Professor Taylor's contract has not been renewed and demand the board reconsider its decision to advertise her role. "We are concerned that the chairman and the directors responsible for the appointment process of the NAS director have not acted in the best interests of this unique Art School and its constituents," the letter states. A British artist and academic, Professor Taylor was appointed in 2009 by the Labor government not long after a battle to save the historic school that had struggled financially after a failed merger with Macquarie University in 2006. The letter states that she restored the reputation of the institution and gained corporate support after years of decline and internal division. However, the NAS board has not renewed her contract and has advertised her position in a way that makes it difficult for Professor Taylor to reapply, the letter asserts. The timing of this process - given that it is timed to be after her Australian visa expires - appears to be constructed to jeopardise her ability to be reasonably considered for reappointment. On objective evidence, this is inexplicable.