A visionary leader who transformed the design space in Tasmania has died after a short illness.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Gary Ogle Cleveland, the founder of Launceston's iconic Design Tasmania Centre, at City Park, has been remembered for his leadership and passion.
Mr Cleveland established Design Tasmania more than 40 years ago, built the unique "heart centre" from the ground up, and leaves behind a formidable legacy, former Design Tasmania chairwoman Pippa Dickson said.
IN OTHER NEWS:
Ms Dickson, who was a close friend and worked closely with Mr Cleveland during her time at Design Tasmania, was asked to write a tribute by chairwoman Mel Kerrison.
"Gary was a visionary. He had a cat-like ability to see in the dark, and an enormous belief that each individual could effect momentous change. Gary's intellect and curiosity gave him enduring energy," Ms Dickson said.
"He leapt across conceptual fences unscalable for most of us but, he would be there to lend a hand, and to pull us up. He was always challenging the shape of our beliefs and knowledge."
Mr Cleveland was born in 1930 and died last week on April 4. He is survived by his children Lou, Jo and Rick and his former wife Pat, who was a co-founder of Design Tasmania.
After seeking new employment in Tasmania in the 50s, Mr Cleveland embarked on a challenge to establish the state as the world's design capital.
It was a dream that culminated in the establishment of the Design Centre of Tasmania, now named Design Tasmania, located on the fringe of City Park.
In an interview in 2017, Mr Cleveland said good design could be defined by three attributes:
"If you're not curious, you can't be a designer; if you don't take risks you won't be successful and the third thing, is the least understood, is focused imagination," he said.
RELATED STORY: Gary Cleveland has Design Centre gallery named in honour
To be successful in the design field, he said it was important to have the ability to focus on your project but be imaginative. He said he was proud to have been able to contribute to that definition and the discussion around it in Tasmania.
Ms Dickson said Mr Cleveland had a unique perspective that enabled people to grow and he used his "eternal optimism" to create positive transformation.
"He gave us pause to consider the wonder of our world, our relationships, to be eternally curious and to find inspiration in simplicity," she said.
"Gary had a way to mobilise people that is unlike anyone I have ever met. I am so very grateful to have had the privilege to have sat with him, learnt from him and shared in his wisdom, to be a tiny part of the expansive universe he has existed in and continues to permeate and transform."
Design Tasmania will hold a public memorial service for Mr Cleveland on the lifting of the COVID-19 restrictions.