​Beale joins Design Tasmania following a stint in program development in the cutting-edge arts and design faculty of RMIT,  Melbourne.

She also has extensive experience in the commercial design sector, and as an industry leader through her position as national president of the Design Institute of Australia.

At her new post, her aim is to break down the barriers between the design community and the everyday Tasmanian.

"By changing the conversation around design in the wider community, we can highlight its true value,” she said. 

“Connection and ongoing conversation with craftspeople and designers in Tasmania as well as the broader community is crucial.

“I’ll be looking at all opportunities to promote and develop design here both locally, nationally and internationally."

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A spokesperson for the Design Tasmania Board said that Ms Beale had “an exemplary understanding of contemporary design issues nationally and internationally and a strong empathy with designers,” as well as a “solid working knowledge of not-for-profit business functions and governance practices.”

Design Tasmania was established in 1976, with a vision to “establish in the minds of a large proportion of the world’s population that the word ‘Tasmania’ is synonymous with good design and reliable craftsmanship,” according to founder Gary Cleveland.

It has since become a renowned nexus for workshops and exhibitions, including their current exhibition, blacksmith Pete Mattila’s Catalysis, which includes works made from the first known instance of purely Tasmanian steel. 

Claire Beale is taking over from Karina Clarke, who held the position of chief executive for three years. 

In further staff changes at the institution, Miwa Worrall will fill the newly-created position of events and business coordinator, after roles with the the Japanese Science and Technology Agency, British Embassy, Australian Embassy and British Council for the Arts.

Dr Pippa Dickson is stepping down from the role of chair after five years in the position. She has been appointed the director of Asialink Arts at the University of Melbourne.

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