Dundee Design Festival – Scotland 2025

Background & History

The Dundee Design Festival (DDF), launched in 2015, is Scotland’s national celebration of design, held biennially in Dundee, the UK’s only UNESCO City of Design. Marking its 10th anniversary as a UNESCO City of Design in 2024, the 2025 festival (6th edition) continues to showcase over 180 designers, emphasizing sustainability and innovation. Curated by Dr. Stacey Hunter and hosted by V&A Dundee, DDF transforms the Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc (MSIP), a former tyre factory, into a 10,000 sqm hub for free exhibitions, workshops, and talks.

The 2024 theme, “Multiplicity,” explored design’s intersections with art and industry, featuring designers like Timorous Beasties and Donna Wilson. Supported by Creative Scotland, EventScotland, and others, DDF aims to be one of the world’s most sustainable design festivals, using less than 30% new materials.

Event Highlights

• Exhibitions (Speculative for 2025): 22–28 September, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (7:00 PM Thursday), MSIP, free. Includes MATERIALISE (large-scale installations by Timorous Beasties, Donna Wilson, Gabriella Marcella, AdesignStorie), BOOKENDS (20 Scotland-designed bookends), HYPER-LOCAL (UNESCO Cities of Design objects), and FRAMEWORK (70+ Scottish designers).
• Workshops: Daily, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM, free (some require booking). Print textiles with Timorous Beasties, sew beasties with Donna Wilson, explore sustainable materials with AdesignStorie, or design uniforms with Scott & Fyfe.
• Talks: Daily, times TBD, free. Features designers like Hannah Sabapathy and industry talks by David Keating (Sonos) and Gabriella Bennett.
• Educators Preview: 23 September, 4:00 PM–6:00 PM, free, for teachers and community leaders to explore sustainability-focused design.
• ProtoPlay Gaming Festival: 26–27 September, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM, free (booking recommended). Indie gaming showcase with hands-on sessions.
• Photo Walk (Pre-Festival): 14 September, 2:00 PM–4:00 PM, Abertay University, free. AI-driven project, “The World Is Beautiful Again,” led by Dr. Martin Zeilinger.

City

• Dundee: Scotland’s UNESCO City of Design, known for its industrial heritage, vibrant arts scene, and landmarks like V&A Dundee and RRS Discovery. Located on the River Tay, 90 minutes from 90% of Scotland’s population.

Main Event Address

• Primary Venue: Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc (MSIP), Cavendish + Bolton, Baldovie Road, Dundee, DD4 8UQ, Scotland.
• Administrative Contact: Dundee Design Festival, c/o V&A Dundee, dundeedesignfestival@vandadundee.org.
• Note: Full venue details at www.dundeedesignfestival.com.

Date & Duration

• Date (Speculative): 22–28 September 2025 (based on 2024: 23–29 September).
• Duration: 7 days.
• Opening Times (Confirmed for 2024, Assumed for 2025):
  • Monday–Wednesday, Friday–Sunday: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM.
  • Thursday: 10:00 AM–7:00 PM.
• Note: Dates and times TBD spring 2025 at www.dundeedesignfestival.com.

Venue / Location

• Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc (MSIP): A 32-hectare former Michelin tyre factory, now a hub for sustainable innovation, powered by 100% renewable energy. Features step-free access, mobile toilets (including accessible), and rest areas (e.g., Silva Spoons Café). Limited parking with 10 electric charging terminals; Blue Badge spaces bookable at dundeedesignfestival@vandadundee.org. Located 12 minutes from Dundee city centre.

Contact Information

• Email: dundeedesignfestival@vandadundee.org (general, accessibility, group bookings); kirsten.wallace@vandadundee.org (school/community groups); calum.rennie@vandadundee.org (volunteering).
• Phone: Not listed; use email or www.dundeedesignfestival.com contact form.
• Website: www.dundeedesignfestival.com (main, ticketing, programme).
• Social Media: Follow @dundeedesignfest on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram; updates at www.dundeedesignfestival.com.
• Ticketing: Free entry; some workshops require booking via www.dundeedesignfestival.com (available spring 2025).

Ticket Information

• How to Book: Free entry to all exhibitions and most activities. Workshops with limited capacity (e.g., Biophilic Design with AdesignStorie) require free booking via www.dundeedesignfestival.com (available spring 2025). No booking fees; card-only payments for on-site shop/food. Group bookings via kirsten.wallace@vandadundee.org.
• 2025 Pricing (USD, 1 GBP ≈ 1.22 USD):
  • Entry: Free (as per 2024).
  • Workshops/Events: Free; some require pre-booking.
  • On-Site Purchases: Food/drink ($5–$15 USD), design shop (prices TBD, card-only).
• Additional Notes: Pricing based on 2024 data; 2025 details TBD spring 2025 at www.dundeedesignfestival.com.

Cultural Significance

DDF celebrates Dundee’s UNESCO City of Design status, showcasing 180+ designers in fields like furniture, jewellery, and fashion. Its 2024 commitment to sustainability (using <30% new materials, partnering with V&A Dundee and Ember) sets a global standard, aligning with Scotland’s Climate Week. Exhibitions like HYPER-LOCAL foster international collaboration with UNESCO cities (e.g., Bilbao, Nagoya), while FRAMEWORK highlights Scottish talent. The festival’s accessibility and free entry democratize design, engaging diverse audiences.

Food & Drinks

• Festival Venue: Silva Spoons Café at MSIP ($5–$15 USD, card-only). No outside alcohol; no bar on-site.
• Nearby Dining:
  • The Flame Tree Café (V&A Dundee, $10–$20 USD, 10-minute drive).
  • The Bach (Scottish, $10–$25 USD, 8-minute drive).
• Alcohol Policy: Not available at MSIP; nearby pubs (e.g., The Counting House, $5–$10 USD, 10-minute drive).

Family & Accessibility

• Family-Friendly:
  • Free for all ages; workshops like “Make Your Own Beastie” are suitable for kids. No age restrictions; parental guidance for some activities (e.g., AI Photo Walk).
• Accessibility:
  • Step-free access throughout MSIP.
  • Blue Badge parking (book via dundeedesignfestival@vandadundee.org).
  • Accessible toilets and baby change at Innovation Hub (4-minute walk).
  • Ear defenders, ramble tags, and sensory backpacks at the welcome desk.
  • Closed captions for main stage events (yellow text on black).
  • Assistance animals welcome; drinking bowls provided.
  • Contact dundeedesignfestival@vandadundee.org for accommodations.

Getting There

• By Air: Dundee Airport (DND, 5 miles, 15-minute drive to MSIP); Edinburgh Airport (EDI, 50 miles, 90-minute drive).
• Public Transport:
  • Bus: Ember electric buses from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Perth, Dundee to MSIP entrance ($2–$10 USD, free for under 22s/over 60s with Scottish bus pass). Xplore Dundee buses (10, 14S, 17, 17S, 28) stop near Baldovie Road (10-minute walk).
  • Rail: Dundee Railway Station (90 minutes from Glasgow/Edinburgh/Aberdeen, $10–$30 USD). Then, bus/taxi to MSIP.
• By Car: 12-minute drive from Dundee centre; parking at MSIP (Baldovie Road, $5–$10 USD). 10 electric charging terminals; Blue Badge spaces (book via dundeedesignfestival@vandadundee.org).
• By Coach: Pre-book parking via dundeedesignfestival@vandadundee.org (24 hours’ notice).
• By Bike/Foot: Green Circular route (26 miles); 30-minute cycle from Dundee Station via National Cycle Route 1. Bike rentals at Dundee Cycle Hub ($10–$20 USD/day).
• By Taxi: Dundee Taxis (+44 1382 606060, $5–$15 USD).
• Rideshare: Uber ($5–$15 USD within Dundee).

Program Details (Speculative for 2025, Based on 2024)

• Pre-Festival:
  • 14 September, 2:00 PM–4:00 PM: The World Is Beautiful Again: Photo Walk, Abertay University, free. AI-driven art project with Dr. Martin Zeilinger.
• Festival Week (22–28 September):
  • Daily, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (7:00 PM Thursday): MATERIALISE (installations by Timorous Beasties, Donna Wilson, Gabriella Marcella, AdesignStorie), BOOKENDS (20 bookends inspired by Dundonian journalists), HYPER-LOCAL (UNESCO design objects), FRAMEWORK (70+ Scottish designers), free.
  • Daily Workshops: Textile printing (Timorous Beasties), beastie-making (Donna Wilson), material library (AdesignStorie), character design (Scott & Fyfe), free (some bookable).
  • 23 September, 2:00 PM–3:00 PM: Biophilic Design with AdesignStorie, free (booking required).
  • 23 September, 4:00 PM–6:00 PM: Educators Preview, free, for educators/community leaders.
  • 25 September, 11:00 AM–12:00 PM: Biophilic Design with AdesignStorie, free (booking required).
  • 26–27 September, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM: ProtoPlay Gaming Festival, free (booking recommended).
  • 29 September, 11:00 AM–12:00 PM: Biophilic Design with AdesignStorie, free (booking required).
• Note: Programme speculative, based on 2024; 2025 details TBD at www.dundeedesignfestival.com.

Past Notable Performances

• 2024: MATERIALISE (Timorous Beasties’ fabric maze, Donna Wilson’s woolly wonderland, AdesignStorie’s tiny homes), BOOKENDS (20 designers), HYPER-LOCAL (Bilbao, Nagoya objects), FRAMEWORK (70+ Scottish designers).
• Historical: 2017 festival at West Ward Works; 2019 at V&A Dundee, emphasizing local design talent.

Sustainability Initiatives

• Eco Practices: Uses <30% new materials; partners with V&A Dundee, Bard, and Ember for repurposed materials and electric buses. MSIP is powered by 100% renewable energy. Digital tickets via www.dundeedesignfestival.com; recycling on-site.
• Fair Work: Pays real Living Wage, supports flexible work, and opposes zero-hour contracts.

Educational Impact

• Educators Preview: 23 September, 4:00 PM–6:00 PM, free, introduces sustainability-focused design to educators.
• Workshops: Daily, free, hands-on learning in textile printing, sewing, and sustainable design.
• Photo Walk: 14 September, free, explores AI and design with Abertay University.

Cultural Activities

• Exhibitions: Daily, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (7:00 PM Thursday), free, showcasing furniture, jewellery, fashion, and international designs.
• Workshops: Daily, free, hands-on activities for all ages (e.g., textile printing, beastie-making).
• Talks: Daily, times TBD, free, with designers like Hannah Sabapathy and industry professionals.
• ProtoPlay Gaming Festival: 26–27 September, free, indie gaming showcase.

Travel Tips

• Book Early: Free workshop tickets via www.dundeedesignfestival.com (spring 2025). Accommodation is scarce in September; book 6–12 months via www.visitscotland.com.
• Weather Prep: September (50–60°F, rainy); pack waterproofs, sturdy shoes.
• Explore Locally: V&A Dundee ($10 USD, 10-minute drive), RRS Discovery ($15 USD, 10-minute drive).
• Public Transport: Scottish bus pass (free for under 22s/over 60s); Ember smartcard ($5 USD).
• Festival Info: Digital schedules at www.dundeedesignfestival.com; no dedicated app.

Local Attractions

• V&A Dundee: Scotland’s design museum, exhibitions like Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk ($10 USD, 10-minute drive).
• RRS Discovery: Historic ship, Antarctic expedition stories ($15 USD, 10-minute drive).
• The McManus: Art and history galleries ($5 USD, 8-minute drive).
• Dundee Contemporary Arts: Contemporary art and cinema ($5–$10 USD, 8-minute drive).

Accommodation Options

• Hotels: Malmaison Dundee ($100–$200 USD/night, 10-minute drive from MSIP).
• B&Bs: Duntrune House ($80–$150 USD/night, 15-minute drive).
• Airbnb: City centre flats ($60–$120 USD/night).
• Booking Tip: Reserve 6–12 months for September; check www.visitscotland.com.

Safety & Health Measures

• Medical Support: First aid at MSIP; Ninewells Hospital (10-minute drive).
• Security: Bag checks at the entrance; no large bags.
• Health Protocols: Sanitizer stations; optional masks. Full 2025 details TBD at www.dundeedesignfestival.com.
• Safeguarding: Per V&A Dundee policies at www.dundeedesignfestival.com.