Design Tasmania welcomes new CEO - Travis Tiddy

Nationally respected cultural leader, Tasmanian Travis Tiddy, has been appointed as the new CEO of Design Tasmania. Mr Tiddy’s strategic creative vision is proven through arts and cultural projects and events he has led including the much-awarded festival The Unconformity.

“Travis’ rare ability to unite creative ambition with business will prove invaluable as we (Design Tasmania) continue our legacy of defining Tasmania’s global reputation for design and craft”, said Megan Perkins, Chair – Design Tasmania Board, “Travis’s leadership comes at a pivotal moment to support our community impact. Design Tasmania is one of Launceston’s key cultural attractions and an important economic driver for the region, contributing to over 130 small business jobs annually through our programs”.

As a testament to Tiddy’s leadership, he is a current board member of Brand Tasmania, the recipient of a Winston Churchill Fellowship, and is regularly sought after for public speaking and contributions to national forums in the creative industries. His expertise in place-branding and destination promotion will help position Design Tasmania in northern Tasmania as a ‘must do’ Tasmanian cultural tourism offering.

“I’m honoured to join Design Tasmania at this exciting moment in its journey. As someone who has built a career exploring how culture connects people to place, I see enormous potential to further elevate Tasmanian design as a defining voice in Australia’s creative landscape”, said Tiddy, “I’m especially energised by the opportunity to work alongside Artistic Director Michelle Boyde, support our island’s remarkable designers and makers, and grow Design Tasmania’s reach by remaining deeply grounded in Launceston and Tasmania's vibrant creative community”.

In addition to his leadership skills, Tiddy’s creativity, applied understanding of design and unique Tasmanian materials, make him the perfect fit to lead Design Tasmania into the organisation’s next phase. Along with Ms Boyde, Tiddy will deliver a programme that represents the spectrum of Tasmanian design and craft integrating new media and technology with innovative approaches to traditional design and making practices.

His deep connections and network with the arts and cultural sector will drive and evolve Design Tasmania’s offerings and collaborative partnerships leading into the organisation’s 50th year celebrations in 2026.

The board welcome Mr Tiddy and very much look forward to working with him and his team.

The work delivered by Design Tasmania is made possible through multi-year funding from Creative Australia and Arts Tasmania.

Photo by Lusy Productions