Hiroe Swen, former ANU School of Art Ceramics lecturer, is one of the recipients of the 2016 Autumn Conferment of Japanese Decorations, having been awarded The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays by the Government of Japan.

Swen was acknowledged for her contribution to the promotion of Japanese culture and mutual understanding between Japan and Australia, specifically for pioneering as a Japanese female ceramist, as an artist beyond cultural boundaries, and as an educator.

Swen moved from Japan to Australia in 1966 and taught at ANU School of Art Ceramics Workshop from 1980 until her retirement in 2005.

With almost 30 years dedicated to teaching, the award recognises how her contribution has helped the ANU School of Art build its reputation as one of the leading institutions in ceramics in Australia.

She has also become one of the school’s EASS Patrons, setting up the Hiroe and Cornell Award for students studying ceramics.

Her works are held in several major collections in Australia and overseas, including the National Gallery of Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Federal Parliament House, the High Court of Australia, Australian Embassies and High Commissions (Washington DC, Tokyo, New Delhi), the Australian National University, and the Oakland Museum.