21 May 2012

Degree Show opening weekend draws in big crowds

Around 5,000 people have enjoyed Dundee's largest annual exhibition of art and design since the 2012 DJCAD Degree Show opened at the weekend.

The near-300 exhibiting graduands from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design were joined by family, friends, art lovers, and industry representatives for two preview evenings before the show opened to the public on Saturday.

Both the buildings that comprise DJCAD, part of the University of Dundee, are packed with creative, challenging and thought-provoking final-year projects from students on all 11 undergraduate programmes.

The University of Dundee Architecture Degree Show 2012 is also being held at the Matthew Building and the innovative design work, full scale building installations, intricate scale models, computer renderings and other media have proved a big hit with visitors.

The Degree Show celebrations began with an Associates Day & Reception last Thursday when leading figures from the world of art and design descended upon DJCAD along with hundreds of invited guests. The following night saw around 3,000 pack the labyrinth-like Perth Road venue for the traditional Preview Evening for students' family and friends.

Before and after the event, they provided a huge boost to bars, clubs, restaurants and shops across the city as the celebrations spread beyond the campus. Each year, the show generates an estimated £1.5million for the local economy and the preview evening, noted for the very special atmosphere it creates around Dundee, is firmly established as one of the most exciting nights in the city's calendar.

An estimated attendance of more than 1,700 over the weekend boosted visitor numbers, which are expected to reach 10,000 by the time the exhibition comes to the end of its run.

Professor Tom Inns, Dean of DJCAD, said he was delighted that such a large number of visitors had taken the Degree Show in so far.

"For so many people to have come along in just a few days is testament to the great appetite and appreciation there is for this event," he said. "Thousands of people come to see the DJCAD Degree Show each year, and once more they will be able to view work from some of the UK's top art and design graduates. Our visitors are in for a real treat."

Graeme Hutton, Associate Dean and Head of Architecture & Planning at the University, encouraged anyone who has not yet visited the Degree Show to do so.

"The students are exploring issues such as designs for future dwelling, transportation, education & advocacy, production, rehabilitation, cultural exchange and community practice," he said. "Architecture is not an exact science, it is an exact art. Come and find out what it's all about!"

The Dundee Architecture Degree Show remains open until Saturday, May 26th, while the DJCAD Degree Show runs on to the following day. Both exhibitions are free, and are open from 10am until 8pm (Monday - Friday) and 10am to 4pm (weekend).

For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk
MOBILE: 07854 953277