The last twelve months have challenged our community in general and the arts and design world in particular. Rarely in the recent past have we lived through a time where growing feelings of isolation and concern have needed to be counteracted by hope and inspiration.

The Alastair Swayn Foundation has been proud to be a part of the creative energy that has made this difficult time easier. We have encouraged design appreciation and enabled positive and transformative growth by awarding grants and celebrating good design in the many ways it underpins our lives and aspirations.

I would like to thank the Foundation’s Board members, who have collectively and enthusiastically worked together to steer the Foundation toward achieving the many goals Alastair Swayn envisioned, as well as the excellent work and support provided by our Foundation Manager, Susie Britt.

My thanks, on behalf of the Board, also go to retired Directors Robin Dyke and Tim Ryan, our inaugural Chair, both of whom played a major role in establishing the Foundation.

In particular, I acknowledge and sincerely thank the National Museum of Australia and the Swayn Senior Fellow in Australian Design, Adrienne Erickson, for the ongoing success of the Swayn Centre for Australian Design at the Museum.

Our collaboration with the National Museum of Australia enables continuing opportunities to build on Alastair’s initiative to foster public knowledge, interest and enjoyment of Australian architecture and design. Through events, exhibitions and forums focused on recognising the best of Australian design, we also challenge the creative talent of our nation to influence a positive future.

This year, the Foundation has supported a wide range of design-focused activities and events reaching into the broader Canberra and regional communities, including major sponsorship of Craft ACT’s Festival of Design, DESIGN Canberra and the public art biennale, Contour 556.

The Foundation has continued to promote and assist research and investigation into academic and applied design through our scholarships and grants program. Our strong relationships with the ACT Government and the University of Canberra have also created diverse opportunities for both students and architects to research the many ways design affects and conditions our world.

Finally, I would like to thank the broader public, the architecture and design community, and the Australian Institute of Architects, the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects and the Design Institute of Australia for their support and for sharing our enjoyment of, and belief in, the value of good design in all our lives.

Graham Humphries
Chairperson, Board of Directors