The Dundee Design Festival 2024 returns to the Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc from 23 to 29 September, marking a record-breaking celebration of Dundee's status as the UK’s only UNESCO City of Design.
This year’s festival promises to be the biggest and most ambitious yet, offering a dynamic mix of exhibitions, workshops, talks, and hands-on activities for all ages. Plus, with the ProtoPlay Gaming Festival making an appearance, there’s something for every type of creative and curious mind!
The festival’s overarching theme, Multiplicity, explores the many ways that design impacts our lives. Whether it’s furniture, interiors, jewellery, fashion, or cutting-edge digital design, the festival will showcase over 180 designers from across Scotland and beyond. The former Michelin tyre factory has been transformed into a vast design hub, spanning 10,000 sqm of exhibition space.
Dundee Design Festival is committed to being one of the world’s most sustainable design festivals. Powered by wind energy from the onsite turbines, the festival has exceeded its target of using less than 30% virgin materials, with most of the installations built from recycled and repurposed materials.
Here’s your ultimate guide to making the most of this incredible week.
Key Highlights
Exhibitions and Installations
Some of the festival’s must-see exhibitions include:
FRAMEWORK: A curated showcase of over 70 Scottish designers, offering a snapshot of contemporary Scottish design. Expect to see everything from reusable camper van interiors and modular lighting to insect-inspired jewellery and neurodivergent-friendly aircraft seat covers.
MATERIALISE: This series of large-scale installations makes full use of the factory’s enormous space. Highlights include:
Timorous Beasties’ Fabric Maze – Get lost in the mesmerising patterns of this textile wonder.
Donna Wilson’s Woolly Wonderland – A playful, interactive display celebrating Scottish wool.
Gabriella Marcella’s Challenging Uniformity – A colourful exploration of customisable uniforms.
Tiny Homes Installation – Discover eco-friendly, space-saving design ideas for sustainable living.
BOOKENDS: A unique project showcasing 20 newly commissioned bookend designs inspired by the adventures of pioneering Dundee journalists Bessie Maxwell and Marie Imandt, who became some of the world’s first female foreign correspondents in the 1890s.
HYPER-LOCAL: Explore a fascinating collection of designs from other UNESCO Cities of Design, including fashion from Japan, lighting from Belgium, and homewares from Spain, alongside local contributions from Dundee designers.
PROCESS: Get a glimpse of the future of sustainable materials, with seashell-based tiles from Skye and colour journeys by paper specialists G.F. Smith.
Hands-On Workshops
This year’s festival offers a wide range of workshops where you can try your hand at various crafts and design techniques. Some highlights include:
Textile Printing with Timorous Beasties – Print your own bags, t-shirts, or fabric with one of Scotland’s leading design teams.
Woolly Beastie Making with Donna Wilson – Perfect for kids and families, create your own adorable woollen creatures.
Sustainable Interior Design with AdesignStorie – Get inspired with eco-friendly design ideas for your home.
Lace Design and Production – Learn the intricate craft of lace-making from expert designers.
Talks and Events
The festival’s talks programme brings together some of the brightest minds in Scottish and international design:
Donna Wilson – Discussing her journey as one of Scotland’s leading textile designers.
David Keating and Sam Prentice (Sonos) – Industrial designers sharing insights on how design influences our everyday lives.
Dr Martin Zeilinger (Abertay University) – A leading voice on artificial intelligence and design innovation.
Alicia Storie – A biophilic interior designer who will offer a masterclass in sustainable design for modern living spaces.
ProtoPlay Gaming Festival (27–28 September)
The ProtoPlay Gaming Festival returns to Dundee this year, adding an extra layer of excitement to the Dundee Design Festival.
Taking place on 27 and 28 September at Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc, ProtoPlay is the ultimate event for fans of indie gaming. Whether you're a casual player, a seasoned gamer, or an industry professional, there’s something for everyone.
Play the latest indie games from emerging UK talent, test your skills in hands-on gaming sessions, and meet like-minded gaming enthusiasts. Engage with graduate game developers and learn about the latest in gaming design.
Tickets are limited, so be sure to book in advance! Under-18s must be accompanied by an adult, and children require their own ticket. Please only book one slot per day to ensure fair access for all attendees.
Don’t miss this chance to discover cutting-edge indie games and connect with the gaming community!
Transport
Festival partner Ember offers electric bus services from Dundee City Centre, Perth, Edinburgh, and Glasgow, ensuring a green transport option for visitors.
Food & Drink
All food at the festival is locally sourced and sustainably prepared. Cold drinks will be served in recyclable aluminium cans, with all waste being processed at a nearby recycling plant.
Practical Information
Dates
23–29 September 2024
Location
Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc, Baldovie Rd, Dundee, DD4 8UQ
Opening Times
- 10am – 6pm daily
- Open until 7pm on Thursday 26 September
Tickets
Free, but some workshops and gaming events require booking in advance.
For more details and to plan your visit, check the official website here.
Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of creativity, innovation, and fun at the Dundee Design Festival 2024. Whether you’re passionate about design, curious about the latest trends, or looking for a fun family day out, this festival has it all!
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