2 September 2010

Arts Café launches with design discussion

Dundee Arts Café, a new venture which will showcase the best of local research in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, will open its door for the first time next week.

The Arts Café builds on the success of the Café Science events which have been running in the city for the past two years, showcasing the best of the scientific research that Dundee is internationally renowned for.

'The Café Science events have proved very successful in bringing scientific research to a public audience and now we want to do something similar across the arts and humanities,' said organiser Dr Jonathan Urch.

'Across the city, particularly in the universities, there is a lot of tremendously interesting research and other work going on in these areas and we want to highlight some of that.

'I am absolutely delighted that we are able to host Dundee Arts Café in The McManus Galleries. The redesigned McManus Café is an exceptional venue that will give the public a comfortable and relaxed setting to enjoy the event.'

The first Arts Café will take place on Tuesday September 7th at 6pm. Dr. Jon Rogers, from the College of Art, Science and Engineering at the University of Dundee, will speak about his work with some of the most disaffected communities in the U.K.

Throughout Dr Rogers’ projects he tries to answer the question, 'Can design be effective in areas where poverty, crime and poor health dominate people's lives?'

There is no easy answer to this question. But in his talk, entitled 'Twisted By Design: Who do we Think We're Designing For?' Dr. Rogers will discuss some of the things a team of designers, technologists and journalists are doing to re-think how we can strengthen communities in the age of the digital economy.

The event is free and open to all. Dr Rogers’ talk will last around 30 minutes, followed by the opportunity for members of the audience to quiz the expert and discuss topics openly.

Upcoming events in the series include Mike Galloway, Director of City Development with Dundee City Council, speaking about the Waterfront project and the V&A effect on the 5th October.

This event is free and no pre-booking is required. Seats are limited to sixty people, allocated on a first-come first-serve basis.

Please arrive early to avoid disappointment. Doors will open at 5:30pm.

For more information visit: www.DundeeArtsCafe.co.uk

Notes for Editors

Dr. Jon Rogers is available for interviews before and at the event.

* Future Dundee Arts Café events:

• Tuesday 5th October - Dundee Waterfront Project and the V&A effect - Mike Galloway, Dundee City Council
• Tuesday 2nd November - Avatars have emotions too!: The Art and Science of Believable Facial Animation - Robin Sloan, Abertay University

For media enquiries contact:
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University of Dundee
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E-MAIL: r.isles@dundee.ac.uk
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