Dundee’s V&A Museum of Design officially launched the competition to design Scotland’s new baby boxes.
The competition is open to students across the country who will be required to submit their designs by November 17 and was launched by minister for childcare and early years Mark McDonald at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design (DJCAD).
The boxes are a flagship SNP policy aimed at reducing infant mortality rates in Scotland, inspired by Finland’s success, which has been handing them out to expectant mothers for almost 80 years.
Some basic essentials will be included in the boxes such as bedding, toys and clothing and every newborn baby in the country will be entitled to receive one from summer 2017 at an estimated annual cost of £6million.
The prize for the winning design is £1,000 along with exclusive mentoring by Scottish design success stories Holly Fulton, a London-based fashion designer, and Scott Jarvie, founder of Jarvie-Design.
Mr McDonald MSP said that the government wants students to be involved in the design so every aspect of the policy involved young people.
He said: “Obviously with the V&A and DJCAD being here in Dundee it was a natural choice for the project to be here too.
“It is only right that the competition allows Scotland’s next generation of designers to play a key role in the process.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity and I would encourage all students with an interest in design to apply.”
The minister also announced that Orkney and Clackmannanshire will be the first areas in Scotland to receive a box when the initial pilot begins on New Year’s Day 2017.
Sarah Saunders, V&A’s director of learning and innovation, said the winning student would receive invaluable exposure and coaching.
She said: “There are 56,000 babies born every year in Scotland so these designs will be in homes across the country. What a way for students to get their designs recognised and launch their career.
“But it’s exciting for us too because we want to showcase what our vision is and how design can tackle big societal issues.”
Those studying all types of design have been encouraged to submit proposals.
Jewellery and metal design student Allison Meighan, 56, said: “It will be important for the babies to want to interact with what is on the boxes so there is a lot of opportunity for creativity. It is a lovely idea and the brief is very instructive.”
