AOD (Academy of Design) is the principal body behind the conceptualization and organisation of Sri Lanka Design Festival (SLDF). AOD, Sri Lanka’s international design campus, is one of South Asia’s most proactive creative organizations offering international standard undergraduate education in design (with Northumbria University School of Design – UK).

AOD extends its mission beyond education, and uses the power of creativity for socioeconomic development through ventures like SLDF where a global platform is provided for local creativity. AOD has also pioneered DFSD (Design for Sustainable Development Foundation), a project that has brought about improved livelihoods for rural artisans through the use of design and creativity. (www.dfsd.lk).

AOD continues to be the chief organiser of SLDF, with its faculty, staff and students playing a key role in the festival each year.