Professor Leahy is the former Chief of Army and spent almost four decades working for the Australian Army, focusing on issues of national security and providing government with a broad range of domestic, expeditionary and development options.
His Excellency, Michael Bryce to be named patron of a new cultural institution in Canberra
14 May: The Gallery of Australian Design is a partnership between the University of Canberra, the National Museum of Australia, the Australian Institute of Architects and the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects.
The gallery is the first of its kind in Australia and will be a public facility attracting and engaging with visitors to the National Capital and the local community.
His Excellency, Michael Bryce AM AE will be named patron of the Gallery of Australian Design at the launch tomorrow.
Mr Bryce is a University of Canberra Adjunct Professor of design and architecture and was conferred with an honorary doctorate by the University in 2003. His Excellency is a former member of the University of Canberra Council, and a former trustee of the Queensland Art Gallery.
In addition to showcasing great Australian design, the gallery will be incorporated into the University of Canberra design curriculum, with students given the opportunity to take a hands-on role developing exhibitions, including curatorial content and design. They will benefit from mentoring support from the National Museum of Australia and the national design institutes.
The Gallery will also provide research opportunities and a forum to explore design theory and product.
University of Canberra Vice-Chancellor Professor Stephen Parker said he was delighted the University would have a presence in the heart of the capital as a partner in the Gallery of Australian Design.
"We are proud of our role educating the next generation of design professionals - in architecture, graphic and digital design, industrial design and landscape architecture - so it is appropriate the University of Canberra should take the lead by showcasing great design in this gallery," Professor Parker said.
Director of the National Museum of Australia, Craddock Morton, welcomed the opportunity to support the new venture.
"I am very pleased that the Museum is able contribute to this initiative, which will add to the breadth of attractions on offer in the national capital," he said. "We will also be involved in mentoring students involved in exhibition research, design and fabrication - helping the next generation of design professionals and museum workers to develop their skills."
National President of the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects, Mr Neil Hobbs, is delighted at the opportunity to be able to present the best of Australian design. "Having such a facility in the centre of Canberra will showcase the best of Australia's designers to the public. It will also allow enhanced collaboration between design disciplines."
Australian Institute of Architects CEO David Parken added that the Gallery will be a must see for all Australians passionate about world class, sustainable design. "The Gallery will feature some of our best architectural exports, inspiring student work and other cutting edge design exhibitions from around the globe - all in a stunning setting by the lake," Mr Parken said.
The Gallery of Australian Design will host a permanent exhibition, Defining Moments in Australian Design as well as featuring a program of rotating exhibitions including the Australian Institute of Architects Venice Biennale, the national Architecture Student Biennale, reviews of design from various international cities, Australian design awards exhibitions and the best of the University of Canberra graduating design student projects.
The gallery will also showcase exhibitions associated with major events, such as the Canberra centenary.
WHAT: Launch of the Gallery of Australian Design
WHEN: Friday 15 May, 10 - 11am
WHERE: Commonwealth Place, Southern Foreshore of Lake Burley Griffin
