This year marks the 45th anniversary of Design Tasmania. The cultural institution has been a staple in the community since 1976, contributing to the state's arts sector substantially since its creation. It offers opportunities for revenue making, exposure, and workshops.

The organisation was founded by Gary Ogle Cleveland AM and Pat Cleveland to be the heart of design for the state. In 1991, Cleveland took Design Tasmania a step further by creating the Design Tasmania Wood Collection, which is now on permanent display and one of the significant collections that exists of its type.

On the Design Tasmania website, Cleveland was quoted saying, "I aspired to bring together elements such as a place for reflection, a space for children, an area to display ideas in a challenging way, and above all a place where imagination was dominant".

Design Tasmania chair Megan Perkins stepped into a co-chair role in 2020, before stepping back during the recent rebrand of the company. She stepped into her new chair role over the past few months.

However, Perkins has been involved with Design Tasmania for a long time thanks to her father, who was represented in the Wood Collection. She has also had her own work exhibited with the institution.

"Historically [I have been connected to the organisation for] a very long time to be honest. I have deep roots with Design Tasmania," she said.

"I grew up amongst many of the makers represented and it's a community I am familiar with. The organisation means a lot to me, so I did want to give back."

Perkins said Design Tasmania had always been a "really beautiful enigma". The focus of the organisation has always been on the community and the drive from the people. But, of course, the main enjoyment of the company is the exhibitions that have been displayed.

"There have been some cracker shows in [Design Tasmania over the years]. It was a really beautiful night last week when we opened Concrete: art design architecture," she said.

"We are definitely looking to do more big shows and bring people together."

There are plenty of makers and designers currently involved with Design Tasmania, and working on some exciting projects. Furniture designer Brodie Neill is originally from Hobart but has resided in London for the past 16 years.

Growing up, Neill was a creative and curious child, tinkering in his family shed with what tools were on offer. In 2017, Design Tasmania acquired a piece of Neill's work, the Alpha chair, for the Wood Collection.

Recent conversations with Neill and Design Tasmania have led to an upcoming partnership for London Craft Week, alongside Hydrowood.

"October's presentation in London provides a fantastic opportunity for me to return to the familiar materials of my formative years in the innovate use of Tasmanian special species Hydrowood," he said.

"A continuation of my ongoing research into recycled and reclaimed materials, Recoil is an oval-shaped centrepiece that reconstitutes scrap veneer of almost every Tasmanian timber into an almost hypnotic spiral of coiled veneer."

Neill believes Design Tasmania provides the benchmark for all things excellent in design, as well as the platform to elevate the natural environment while inspiring designers right around the world.

Perkins said Neill was Design Tasmania's most important design export, as he had a "double spectrum practice," where he completed one-off major commissions as well as designs for manufacture.

Another designer associated with Design Tasmania, Samantha Dennis, often presents her work as jewellery. Dennis didn't imagine her work would be represented in Design Tasmania's collections originally, and was intimidated at the beginning to stand next to well-known names.

"At times I have felt like a fraud, but I have come to understand that good design and creative practice are completely intertwined, and this is well represented in both the Design Tasmania permanent collection and the shop items," she said.

"The fact that Design Tasmania not only shows new and leading work for exhibition and retail, but hosts exhibition forums, round tables, and other events make it a hub for the creative community in Northern Tasmania."

Diane Allison believes in the importance of highlighting the significance of art, craft, and design in Tasmania. She and her husband have both worked with Design Tasmania for a long time and enjoy the opportunity to showcase their skills.

"Design Tasmania continues to be a wonderful ambassador for design. It constantly celebrates the amazing creative talent in Tasmania," she said.

"Our stories and histories can be told through the art we make - it helps us understand ourselves and for others to understand us too."

The future looks bright and exciting in the world of design. Perkins said on the back of the COVID-19 pandemic, there were pressing considerations around sustainability and the role that design could play within that sphere.

Design Tasmania hopes to focus on reinvigorating opportunities for Tasmanian makers through avenues such as retail, exhibition, and promotion, as well as "cross pollenate" between the master makers and the up-and-coming makers.

To celebrate the 45 years of the organisation, a show that explores the next 45 years of wood and Design Tasmania will also be launched later in the year. Another upcoming show the organisation is excited about focuses on the extension of Neill's work.

"I think the appreciation of art and design are some of the most enjoyable moments that people can have," Perkins said.

"The arts is incredibly important and sustaining for people. Arts is the spirit, it's our human spirit. I think that's where people find enjoyment: through the viewing and making of art, craft, and design."

Design Tasmania is always on the hunt for Tasmanian makers and those who want to get involved in the workshops the organisation offers. For more information visit designtasmania.com.au.

Design Tasmania is located on the corner of Brisbane and Tamar Streets in Launceston.