The Gallery of Australian Design
The Gallery of Australian Design (the GAD) was a public gallery established in April 2009 as a collaborative project between the University of Canberra, the Australian Institute of Architects, the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects and the National Museum of Australia.
The GAD was the first not-for-profit institution in Australia solely dedicated to the exhibition of design. The GAD explored and promoted Australian Design through exhibitions, events and seminars, targeted workshops and a raft of outreach projects. It aimed to build knowledge and appreciation about contemporary Australian design and about its makers.
As a founding sponsor and board member, Alastair Swayn AO played a pivotal role in establishing the GAD, which was later renamed the Swayn Gallery of Australian Design in recognition of his contributions.
Over its six years of operation, the GAD presented more than 40 exhibitions, showcasing the breadth and vitality of Australian design. From its striking location at Commonwealth Place on Lake Burley Griffin to its later home in a bustling Kingston shopfront, the gallery evolved with the creative energy it celebrated. Its final exhibition in March 2015 marked the close of a vibrant chapter in Australia's design story.
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Freefall Experience
24 February – 20 March 2015
Design ideas competition exhibition showcasing proposals from the Freefall Experience competition.
More information:
architectureau.com/articles/freefallTypemasters
5 – 19 February 2015
An international typography exhibition presented by the Australian Graphic Design Association (AGDA), featuring outstanding work from graduates of the Royal Academy of Art, The Hague’s renowned Type and Media program.
Highlights included work from emerging international typographers and Australian designer Troy Leinster’s acclaimed Brisbane typeface.
AVID – University of Canberra Graduation Exhibition 2014
6 December 2014 – 29 January 2015
An exhibition celebrating the outstanding graduating work from the University of Canberra’s Industrial Design program.
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Do Good Design
4 – 29 November 2014
An exhibition showcasing pro bono and reduced-fee projects created by graphic design studios and advertising agencies for charities and not-for-profit organisations, celebrating design’s ability to create positive social impact.
Travel Light
25 September – 30 October 2014
Explored light rail as a catalyst for sustainable urban renewal and city making, including proposals from the Australian Institute of Architects’ Canberra Light Rail Station Ideas Competition.
AILA ACT Chapter Awards
12 July – 29 August 2014
An exhibition featuring nominees from the 2014 ACT Landscape Architecture Awards, showcasing innovative landscape projects throughout Canberra.
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Diversity
5 December 2013 – 11 January 2014
Showcasing outstanding student work across Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Interior Architecture, Graphic Design and Industrial Design from the University of Canberra Faculty of Arts & Design.
The Lodge on the Lake
15 August – 16 November 2013
A major national design competition imagining a new official residence for the Prime Minister of Australia on Lake Burley Griffin.
Featuring shortlisted competition entries selected from over 240 submissions from Australia and overseas.
Fred Ward: A Life in Design
30 May – 27 July 2013
The first major retrospective celebrating Australian industrial designer Fred Ward, whose modern furniture is regarded as among Australia’s finest twentieth-century design.
CAPITheticAL: A Capital City for Tomorrow
6 March – 11 May 2013
A Centenary of Canberra exhibition imagining the Australian capital of the next century.
Twenty finalists presented visionary ideas responding to sustainability, identity, transport and future urban living.
Young.Hot.Canberra.
12 January – 23 February 2013
Celebrating Canberra’s emerging design talent through the work of leading young architects, graphic designers, industrial designers and makers.
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Remedy
13 December 2012 – 3 January 2013
Outstanding design graduates from the University of Canberra across Architecture, Interior Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Graphic Design and Industrial Design.
2012 National Architecture Awards
9 November – 1 December 2012
Featuring shortlisted and award-winning projects from the Australian Institute of Architects National Architecture Awards.
Included models, drawings, films, installations and architectural photography.
Fashionably Early: Designing Australian Fashion Futures
8 August – 25 October 2012
A national exhibition exploring the future of Australian fashion education and innovation through work from six leading Australian design schools.
AGDA Poster Annual – Inspired by Music
20 June – 27 July 2012
The Australian Graphic Design Association’s annual poster exhibition celebrating contemporary Australian graphic design inspired by music.
Bloom: Healthy Spaces
8 May – 9 June 2012
Explored how landscape architecture influences health and wellbeing, examining hospitals, schools, prisons, community gardens and public spaces.
Korban/Flaubert – Metal/Work
22 March – 28 April 2012
A sculptural exhibition exploring the expressive possibilities of metal through contemporary design and craftsmanship.
Making Waves
8 February – 10 March 2012
Peter Walker’s handcrafted wooden surfboards demonstrating the evolution of surfboard design through craftsmanship, innovation and material exploration.
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Brilliance
16 December 2011 – 28 January 2012
University of Canberra Faculty of Arts & Design graduate exhibition showcasing work across multiple creative disciplines.
2011 National Architecture Awards
9 November – 10 December 2011
A public exhibition of Australia’s award-winning contemporary architecture.
Freeform Thinking
22 September – 3 November 2011
Sculptural works by Italian artist Sante Monachesi exploring industrial materials, abstraction and lightness.
Urban AU: Street / Art / Architecture
4 August – 3 September 2011
A multidisciplinary exhibition exploring the intersection between street art, architecture and urban culture.
Australian Chair Survey
16 June – 23 July 2011
A national survey of contemporary Australian chair design curated by Ramona Barry, featuring leading furniture designers from around Australia.
Revival
5 May – 4 June 2011
Landscape architecture projects from Queensland demonstrating innovative approaches to revitalising dormant urban environments.
Robert Foster – Strange Planet
23 March – 26 April 2011
Lighting installations exploring form, material and illumination through sculptural design.
Alexander Lotersztain – Ten Years: A Design Journey
23 March – 26 April 2011
A retrospective celebrating a decade of work spanning industrial design, furniture and architecture.
Squint/Opera
10 February – 10 March 2011
An exhibition showcasing the internationally acclaimed architectural visualisation and film studio, exploring storytelling through architecture and moving image.
Abandoned Cubby Huts
10 February – 10 March 2011
Daniel Armstrong’s photographic exploration of abandoned children’s cubby houses as architecture, memory and landscape.
Cream
3 December 2010 – 29 January 2011
Outstanding University of Canberra design graduates across architecture, graphic design, industrial design and interior design.
2010 National Architecture Awards
29 October – 26 November 2010
A public exhibition celebrating Australia’s leading contemporary architectural projects.