Background

Glass Light Art Architecture Synergies

GLAAS INC was created in 2015 by Dr Bronwyn Hughes and Donna Kennedy. Bronwyn’s background was as an educator, artist and historian and Donna had operated a successful glass studio for over 20 years and had been involved in industry training. Both saw a decline in the designed/architectural glass sector and the potential loss of skills particularly in leadlighting and stained-glass painting.

The organisation was established with three prime objectives:

To re-establish qualification courses to encourage young people to join the sector with a view to developing and progressing glass as a contemporary architectural element;
To preserve the skills to enable ongoing conservation of Australia’s rich heritage of stained glass art: and
To create a supportive community to assist in the development and progression of this skill sector, while aligning with Social Enterprise and Social Impact outcomes.

Through a partnership with Melbourne Polytechnic that enabled MP to achieve a State Government Workforce Innovation Training Grant, that delivered the Certificate III in Glass and Glazing (Designed Glazing stream) by MP at Prahran in 2020; Certificate IV was added in 2021; and in 2025 the more advanced Diploma of Visual Arts – Glasswork, replaced the Certificate IV qualification.s in the twenty-first century.

All of the above objectives have been achieved. GLAAS INC now delivers programs including the First Nations Glass Workshops; Future Training for graduates to become course and workshop teachers; and workshops for disadvantaged people particularly those with mental health challenges, at minimum or no cost to participants.

GLAAS INC supports the Melbourne Polytechnic glass courses and operates the Australian Centre for Glass Design at its high profile High Street glass gallery at the Melbourne Polytechnic Prahran Campus. As part of its mission, GLAAS INC creates opportunities for the glass community, glass industry sector and general public to make new connections, gain greater knowledge and raise awareness of glass in the twenty-first century.