Dundee’s growing reputation as a cultural and design hub has caught the attention of The Observer, who have recently featured the city in an in-depth article celebrating its arts, design, and creative industries.
The article highlighted although Dundee was primarily known for its historical industrial heritage—the "three Js" of jute, jam, and journalism, it has now been recognised as a design hub having been transformed into the UK's first and only UNESCO-designated City of Design.
The article coincides with the fifth Dundee Design Festival, which is set to open on Monday at a former Michelin factory in the northeast of the city. Showcasing work by over 180 designers across a wide range of disciplines, including textiles, ceramics, homeware, and furniture, the festival exemplifies the city’s dynamic and ever-evolving creative community.
Stacey Hunter, the festival's creative director, shared her enthusiasm with The Observer, stating,
"We’re obsessed with design and we just want other people to see why we’re so passionate about it." The festival will also celebrate the tenth anniversary of Dundee's UNESCO designation, which continues to fuel investment in design education, community engagement, and opportunities for local talent.
V&A Dundee, Scotland’s first design museum, was also highlighted as a key player in this cultural resurgence. Opened in 2018, the museum stands as a symbol of Dundee’s regeneration and its role in shaping the future of Scottish design.
The Observer described the city as a "flourishing creative community" and cited DJCAD, the University of Dundee's art school, among the UK’s best.
Continuing by stating the numerous innovative projects on the horizon, they note that Dundee’s future as a leading design city looks bright.
From its grassroots design initiatives to its bold regeneration projects, Dundee is setting a global example of how a city can harness its heritage while forging a new path in the world of arts and culture.
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