Two international experts in design and craft will come to University of Dundee on January 29 to run a special free event – Platforms for Creativity – focusing on creativity, design and sustainable futures.

The event is the first of a series organised jointly by DJCAD and Creative Dundee to celebrate Dundee’s new UNESCO City of Design status.

Professor David Gauntlett is the author of iconic book ‘Making is Connecting’, which showed how design and craft are vital elements in our digital culture.

Dr Amy Twigger Holroyd is known internationally for her research and practice in the areas of fashion, sustainability, and amateur making.

Professor Mike Press, chair of design policy at DJCAD, said:

“We are delighted that they can come to Dundee from London and Leeds to share their ideas and especially their innovative creative methods with us.

“David has used Lego as a tool in creative workshops for many years, while Amy’s knitting tent has created a convivial space for people to learn new skills, and every summer it tours festivals such as Hay, the Green Man and Latitude.

“Their lecture and workshop will provide participants with an inspiring approach to creative thinking rooted in the latest research. Anyone with an interest in making Dundee a creative, competitive and aspirational city should join us.”

Morning lecture and discussion:

During the morning, the speakers will talk and lead a discussion on how society can create supportive platforms for creativity and build cultures of making and remaking which contribute to a more sustainable world.

This session will be held in the University of Dundee’s Dalhousie Building LT4 from 10am to 12noon. Those interested should just turn up on the day.

Afternoon workshop session:

In the afternoon, the duo will run a workshop focused on creating tools which encourage people to think and make creatively.

Each participant is asked to bring along one object – or set of objects – that may be a useful ‘tool for thinking’. The organisers say, “This can be almost anything – but do bring something”.

The Toolkit Workshop will be held in the University of Dundee’s Matthew Building, Hub 1, DJCAD from 14.30 to 16.30. To attend this participants must register on the Eventbrite page.