The annual degree show at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design is one of the most important events in Dundee’s social calendar. This year, the city’s peacocks and starlings once again flocked to the opening night to enjoy the exhibition of work produced by art, design and architecture students at the University of Dundee, who will graduate this year.
The importance of the degree show to the city is simple: it brings the community together while drawing visitors to Dundee from across the globe.
The University staff and students work tirelessly, not only to provide top class teaching and deliver innovative and original coursework throughout the year, but by physically putting together the show, a temporary gallery that spans twelve floors across two buildings.
Not only that, the marketing team is a dedicated, imaginative and creative group of women who put their hearts and souls into telling the world about the talent produced in Dundee in the fields of art, design and architecture.
The hard work does pay off though; guests regularly report the opening night as a huge success, and often say how inspired they feel after visiting the degree show. Each year, the opening night attracts around 3,000 guests who come from far and wide; this year, one group of students was visiting from Germany – after seeing videos of the degree show they decided to come to the city to learn from Dundee’s graduating students in interior and environmental design. Other international guests visiting this year’s degree show were from countries including China and Canada. Closer to home, guests arrive in Dundee from all over the UK to support their family and friends who have been living and studying in the city, while local Dundonians join in either as staff and students of the university, or as members of the wider community who feel proud to be part of such an exciting moment – a moment that truly marks the beginning of summer in Dundee.
And what better way to kick start summer than by dressing up in your glad rags to attend one of the most stylish parties of the year? The fashions at the degree show are diverse, ranging from ripped jeans with killer heels to corporate black dresses and vintage suits, truly reflecting the wide range of people who live, study and work in the city. The style at the degree show is yet another sign that Dundee is changing, cementing its place as Scotland’s cultural city of design.
Louise Connor, Marketing Manager for the degree show, said: “The University of Dundee’s Art, Design & Architecture Degree Show is not only an opportunity for our brightest emerging talents to showcase their creative work, it is also an opportunity for our students and visitors to express their creativity and individuality through fashion. Our preview night has become a highlight in Dundee’s cultural calendar and people really do dress for the occasion with many outfits an artwork in themselves.”
This is what is so inspiring: the incredible collection of human beings we have right here in our city of discovery.
Dundee University’s Art, Design & Architecture Degree Show is open until Sunday May 29.
