Sweet Salone Receives the 2026 Award for Best Investment in Design

Aurora Foundation has received the Award for Best Investment in Design at the Icelandic Design Awards 2026 for Sweet Salone, a design and development initiative that fosters social and economic change by bringing together Icelandic designers and craftspeople in Sierra Leone.

Launched in 2017, Sweet Salone is built on the idea of connecting Icelandic design with local craftsmanship in Sierra Leone, creating products that combine cultural value, economic opportunities and international appeal.

The initiative also places strong emphasis on preserving valuable craft heritage and traditions, while safeguarding materials and production techniques at risk of disappearing.

One of the project's key objectives is to empower craftspeople in Sierra Leone through education and employment, while creating new opportunities for Icelandic design through international collaboration and sustainable development. Dozens of local craftspeople have gained knowledge and skills in creative development, product design, quality control and marketing. Beyond developing their expertise, participants have gained opportunities to earn an income and build a more secure future for their families.

Sweet Salone has contributed to the revival of traditional crafts in Sierra Leone following the civil war and Ebola epidemic, while creating new opportunities for younger generations. Products developed through the collaboration between Icelandic designers and Sierra Leonean craftspeople have gained popularity in Iceland, across Europe and in Sierra Leone, further strengthening the position of local craftspeople within their communities.

Sweet Salone has brought together Icelandic designers and design studios, including Ker, As We Grow, Kron by KronKron, Farmers Market, 1+1+1 and Hugdetta, with craftspeople in Sierra Leone. Icelandic designers have collaborated with basket weavers in Brama Town, ceramicists at the Lettie Stuart Pottery Center, and tailors and jewellery makers at Lumley Craft Market. These collaborations have resulted in a diverse range of products, including baskets, ceramics, children's clothing and jewellery, sold in Iceland and through European retailers. The products have also been showcased internationally, including at Maison & Objet in Paris in 2026.

The initiative demonstrates the far-reaching impact that investment in design can have. It creates employment and economic value, strengthens local knowledge and cultural heritage, and builds connections between communities and creative disciplines.

The jury considers Sweet Salone an exemplary initiative, demonstrating how design can serve as a catalyst for lasting value creation. Aurora Foundation's investment extends far beyond individual products. It fosters knowledge, employment and independence, highlighting the social and economic potential of meaningful, long-term collaboration between designers and craftspeople.

The Icelandic Design Awards were presented for the thirteenth time at a ceremony held at Gróska on Thursday, 5 November 2026. The award was presented by Tor Inge Hjelmdal, architect and CEO of Design and Architecture Norway (DOGA).

The Icelandic Design Awards recognise designers, architects, design teams and studios for outstanding recent projects. The awards celebrate excellence in design and architecture, highlighting projects that represent the very best in their fields. The jury looks for work that demonstrates exceptional quality and impact, creative thinking, innovative solutions, thoughtful execution, aesthetic excellence and professional expertise. Consideration is also given to user experience, originality and the project's positive contribution to quality of life, value creation and sustainability.

The Icelandic Design Awards are organised by Iceland Design and Architecture in collaboration with the Icelandic Museum of Design and Applied Art and the Iceland University of the Arts, with support from Business Iceland, the Housing and Construction Authority, Gróska, University of Iceland Science Park and Blue Lagoon Iceland.