The National Museum of Australia (NMA) in Canberra is to establish a new Curatorial Centre focused on Australian design.
Director of the NMA, Mathew Trinca said the new Centre would be named after the ACT’s first Government Architect, Alastair Swayn, with landscape architect, Adrienne Erickson (pictured) appointed to lead its creation.
Ms Erickson has lived in Beijing for the past 15 years, initially teaching design at the Central Academy of Fine Art there, and most recently commissioning and producing Australian design events and exhibitions at Beijing Design Week and across China for the Australian Embassy.
Announcing the new arrangements, Dr Trinca said Australian design deserved to be elevated in the public consciousness.
“The goal of the new Centre will be to increase public connection to and appreciation of Australian design, through collections, collaborations, exhibitions, events and research,” Dr Trinca said.
“Design is central to the everyday lives of all Australians. From architecture and industrial design to fashion and the virtual design world, Australian design is having an impact on the global stage.”
He said the appointment of Ms Erickson had been made possible through the support of the Alastair Swayn Foundation.
“Partnerships are integral to achieving the Museum’s vision and I am grateful for the Foundation’s generosity,” Dr Trinca said.
Ms Erickson said she would work to appoint an advisory board of eminent Australians from the design field to inform and guide the development of the new Centre.
