At the Australia 2020 Summit in 2008, Alison Page (SWFW Executive Officer) promoted the engagement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Artists with the manufacturing sector to create authentic design products for domestic and international markets.  The concept was endorsed as a key idea the Federal Government wished to take forward through the National Partnership on Indigenous Economic participation.  The design products could include the creation of lighting, furniture, wall and floor coverings, home wares, architectural products, textiles and clothing with an Indigenous aesthetic.

Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance’s Design Program will encompass many elements, including a National Design Brokering Service, a Design and Licensing Program and the newly created Certificate IV courses in Aboriginal Design.