Designs for Life
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Designs for Life is a collaboration between Visual Research Artist, Paul Harrison and Bio-medical Research Scientists from the University of Dundee. The project is based on the potential of the arts to communicate often complex issues and how this can be used to mediate between the scientific specialist and a wider community.
From September 2006 to February 2008, Dundee City Council’s Creative Learning Team have worked in partnership with the Visual Research Centre and local community to deliver an ambitious programme of access and learning activities to accompany the Designs for Life Project. Activities were designed to encourage children, young people and adult learners to explore and be inspired by Designs for Life; and to develop understanding and awareness of the broader relationship that exists between science and the arts.
As a result, participants from Claypotts Castle Primary School, the 16 – 24 Literacies Project, Dundee Healthy Living Initiative and the Mackinnon Centre worked with scientists, artists and performers to create their own unique response to Designs for Life, using an eclectic mix of printmaking, creative writing, textiles, digital media and physical theatre. The programme took place at Community venues across the city and at the Visual Research Centre.
The access and learning programme has also supported the development of new work from choreographer and dance artist Rachel Smith, specifically commissioned by Dundee City Council Leisure and Communities Department to respond to the ideas and methodologies of Designs for Life.
In February 2008, an exhibition was held at Centrespace, the Visual Research Centre’s gallery. Presenting the project’s activity to date, the exhibition included a selection of print collaborations between artist and scientists and some of the amazing work created by participants during the project.
Visit the Design for Life Project website
