Dundee celebrates 10 years as UK’s first Unesco-design city
- Dundee, located on Scotland's east coast, was historically known for its industries, including whaling and shipbuilding.
- The city is celebrating a decade of being recognized as a Unesco-designated city, which has fostered a vibrant design community and led to significant cultural developments.
- The ongoing design festival aims to build skills, create job opportunities, and enhance the city's design heritage, encouraging students to remain in Dundee.
Dundee, situated about 60 miles north of Edinburgh, has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade. Once primarily recognized for its industrial past, including whaling and shipbuilding, the city has embraced its designation as the UK's first Unesco-designated city of design. This recognition has catalyzed a cultural renaissance, highlighted by the opening of the V&A Dundee museum, which is part of a £1 billion regeneration project of the waterfront area. The fifth Dundee design festival, set to open soon, celebrates this milestone and showcases a diverse range of exhibits, from furniture to video games. The festival emphasizes sustainability, featuring zero-waste commitments and community engagement in its design processes. Local designers are encouraged to collaborate and innovate, reflecting the city's rich design heritage. The festival not only highlights the achievements of local designers but also aims to build capacity within the community. By fostering skills and creating job opportunities, Dundee is positioning itself as a vibrant hub for design, attracting talent and encouraging students to remain in the city. As Dundee continues to evolve, new developments such as the Eden project and a visual effects lab promise to further enhance the city's creative landscape. The future looks bright for Dundee, as it leverages its unique design identity to create a supportive environment for artists and designers.