`Sustaining Rural Scotland’ – Design In Action
Published On Fri 22 Aug 2014 by Roddy Isles
- £20k prototype funding on offer
Climate change and the increasing pressure on the planet’s natural resources mean raising awareness and innovating around environmental sustainability has never been more urgent. But how can rural Scotland address these issues?
The University of Dundee’s `Design In Action’ project will bring rural businesses, entrepreneurs and retailers together with designers, technologists and academics at a major Chiasma event at New Lanark in October to identify and create potential solutions to support climate action for rural Scotland.
John Thackara, the world renowned author, ‘design luminary’ and ‘business provocateur’ will speak at the event. He said, “I'm really looking forward to Chiasma. This is a unique opportunity for small enterprises in Scotland to take a lead in re-shaping the rural economy for these new times.”
Following the event, there will be an opportunity for attendees to apply for funding up to £20,000 to prototype ideas as near-to-market solutions.
The chiasma event at the award winning UNESCO World Heritage site of New Lanark Mills on October 21st-23rd will examine everything from community assets to the latest innovative technologies.
Mel Woods, Co-Investigator for Design in Action, said, “More people now than ever before have direct experience of climate change and the pressures on the natural environment. Communities are calling for better protection against flooding, wise use of natural or local assets but sometimes find it difficult to engage because of other responsibilities, lack of time, trust or space to make a difference.
“We want to address these issues by bringing together people to create new ideas and collaborations with design at the centre. This is a chance to be inventive and use a market focused approach to hone ideas that will thrive, supported by a dedicated team at Design in Action”.
The Chiasma is free to attend. All meals and accommodation will be provided throughout the event and reasonable travel expenses reimbursed. Designers who meet the qualifying criteria will also have the opportunity to apply for a Design Support Grant worth up to £500 to attend.
To be considered for a place at this Chiasma, please complete the online form at http://designinaction.com/chiasmas/rural-economies-chiasma-2014
The closing date for applications is Monday September 1st.
You can find out more about Design in Action here:
Design in Action is a Knowledge Exchange Hub funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council. Based within Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design at the University of Dundee, the project is closely-partnered with The Glasgow School of Art; Edinburgh College of Art (University of Edinburgh), Gray’s School of Art (Robert Gordon University) and the Universities of St Andrews and Abertay Dundee.
Roddy Isles
Head of Press
TEL: 01382 384910
MOBILE: 07800 581902
E-MAIL: r.isles@dundee.ac.uk