Cultural Care Package

Going to uni, moving to a new city and making new friends is exciting, but it can also be stressful. Made by students, for students, Labyrinth is a self-guided welcome and wellbeing trail to show you what V&A Dundee has to offer.

‘From reflecting on objects in our Scottish Design Galleries, to drawing views of the silvery Tay – this is your museum to explore, share ideas, meet and make friends and find calm. Head on over to pick up a copy of Labyrinth from our Welcome Desk and start your journey with us.’

Recommended by Nichol Keene, Creative Programmer

During these extraordinary times, our homes have never been more important. The Museum of the Home is documenting exactly how our home lives are changing during the coronavirus pandemic. Together we have worked to develop a student-specific section of Stay Home, to ensure your unique experiences are represented in this new national collecting project. You can learn more about the project here.

So, what does home mean to you right now? Your contribution can be written or recorded, and include up to five photos.

‘This is such a lovely resource and can be done looking out of the smallest window with just a pen and paper. Looking at birds and drawing them is a wonderful way to make yourself look more carefully at nature. There’s something very calming and meditative about watching them, switching off and letting yourself de-stress and be in the moment. Enjoy!’

Recommended Joanna Mawdsley, Head of Learning

Bringing together designers, experimenters and academics from the Netherlands & Scotland to exchange thoughts and share ideas. Launched in 2018 by Susanna Beaumont, Design Exhibition Scotland (DES) is a wonderfully energetic project that explores design for the every day through exhibitions, articles and an inspiring series of live online events, studio visits and recorded talks.

"I thoroughly recommend tuning into the latest series of talks which brings together designers, researchers and academics from the Netherlands and Scotland for lively discussions on design in the pandemic and the making of new materials. Kick-off with this brilliant first talk in this series between Chris Breward and Dr. Alice Twemlow!"

Recommended by Charlotte Hale, Curator

Our Instagram Live series highlights the multidimensionality of people, their stories and career journeys. It focuses specifically on the creative output from diasporic communities across Scotland.

"I so enjoyed hearing Maryam speak with Salsabil El-Awaisi about all things interior design."

Recommended by Emma McCarthy, Learning Coordinator

PechaKucha, or ‘chit chat’ in Japanese, was developed by Klein Dytham Architecture, in Tokyo back in 2003. It is an international format, now run in over 1,000 cities. The Dundee event started in 2011, and it has grown into the biggest Pecha Kucha Night in the UK.

"I love Creative Dundee' Pecha Kucha nights. Real fun and quick-fire, digestible way to hear from some incredibly interesting people. 20 images, 20 seconds.... usually always a sell out too so one super positive pull from this is that this time, we can all make it! One of the best ways for people new to the area to hear from those who hold it closest to their hearts about wonderful things that are happening."

Melissa Rickerby, General Manager Visitor Operations

An interview with architect Anupama Kundoo, whose practice demonstrates a strong focus experimentation towards an architecture that has low environmental impact.

"This brilliant film was recommended to me by a colleague in the British Council. Anupama is encouraging to rethink time as a resource that could change how we think about design and architecture."

Recommended by Leonie Bell, Director of V&A Dundee

The National Arts Club, based in New York, have moved their entire programme online. They have a really interesting and eclectic mix of documentaries, music, in conversations, and more.

"One of my favourites is a recent talk by Amelia Rauser on the link between neoclassical architecture and fashion in the early nineteenth century."

Recommended by Kirsty Hassard, Curator

The Dezeen newsletter draws together an eclectic mix of design stories from around the world. From futuristic architecture, to climate emergency solutions, to what’s hot in paint colours, the Dezeen update is a great way to see design as a positive force tackling some of the toughest challenges we face as a society, and a source of great creativity and joy.

Recommended by Claire Eva, Director of Audiences & Media

Libraries are brilliant places. In the absence of being able to visit one in person, check out The National Poetry Library's free online loans service. Bursting with beautiful books and words to inspire your mind and soothe your soul.

Recommended by Nichol Keene, Creative Programmer

The Gentlewoman is a biannual magazine that celebrates modern women of style and purpose.

“A library I return to time and time again when I’m seeking out something good (very good) to read. Interviews with wondrous women doing all manner of wondrous things. This spot is a good spot to roam around, and spend some time with some super inspiring folk.”

Recommended by Becca Clark, Assistant Curator

Creative inspiration is for everyone. It's Nice That championing the most exciting and engaging work online and in print.

"This is a very wonderful space to find out about very wonderful things. Ever inspiring, they share design and the work of creative practitioners on both the convergence of interdisciplinary practice and specialists in a myriad of fields. Good for pointing to established and new makers and creators, a regular dose of the stories on here does wonders for inspiration."

Recommended by Becca Clark, Assistant Curator

Read through our 12 wonderful webcomics created by University of Dundee’s Masters in Comics and Graphic Novels students.

“These 12 short webcomics are a real treat. Beautiful and compellingly illustrated, each one is completely different, both in terms of visual style, narrative approach and subject matter. Together they showcase the flexibility and range of comics as a medium. Whether it’s about a family of fleas on a dog, a violent absurdist heist, a trio of animal adventurers or a poignant discussion of loss, there’s something here for everyone.”

Recommended by Russell Dornan, Digital Content Editor

A podcast series presenting 39 ideas to relieve the stress that climate change is exerting on the planet.

“I’ve just discovered these small snippets of podcast bits. Nice to noodle over to if you want something short and sweet to enliven your ear drums and instil some learning in just a few moments.” Recommended by Becca Clark, Assistant Curator

A podcast, run by Ryan McLeod, picking the brains of brilliant creatives working in and around Dundee.

"Check out the Creative Chit Chat podcast, run by graphic designer Ryan McLeod. He invites creative folk based in Dundee to share their experiences, talk about their work and tell their stories."

Recommended by Jen Collins, Visitor Assistant

NTS is an online radio station based in London with studios in Los Angeles, Shanghai and Manchester. Broadcasting underground music live, 24/7.

"For some lovely radio to fill your ears with whilst you study away from the mainstream, there’s NTS. Some great shows to catch live, as well as a wonderful archive to dip into and take an audio swim around in. You never know what sounds you might find. Always varied and always exciting!"

Recommended by Becca Clark, Assistant Curator

Alice Rawsthorn explores how design is responding to complex social, political and environmental challenges.

"Alice is such a dynamic speaker and even if you didn’t think you were interested in design, I think after listening to her you will be! I would also suggest you check out her Instagram series ‘Design Emergency’ with Paola Antonelli (MoMA) some fascinating stories of how designers have responded to COVID 19 and other emergencies around the world."

Recommended Joanna Mawdsley, Head of Learning

Inspired by Nicholas Daley's exhibition, our Young People's Collective (YPC) curated this playlist for Young People's Design Day. The playlist celebrates childhood through riding the wave of nostalgia but also vibing out to the music of this time and age.

"This is basically a mish-mash of bangers and absolute tuunneess. It's over an hour long, so put it on shuffle and enjoy!"

Maryam Deeni Learning Coordinator at V&A Dundee

Glasgow Women’s Library co-founder Dr Adele Patrick discusses how design has powered the development of one of Scotland’s most trailblazing cultural resources.

"Grown from a small grassroots project in 1991 into a pioneering women’s social enterprise, Glasgow Women’s Library was created by, for and about women in Scotland. Check out Adele’s presentation, episode notes and an episode transcript on our website.’

Recommended by Nichol Keene, Creative Programmer

PosterLad is a graphic design project by Czech designer Vratislav Pecka, designed to reinvent the perception of the poster as a means of expression rather than promotion.

“To me his work is an expression of exceptionally designed riotous fun – I’d love to be let loose on a poster project like this.

Recommended by Tara Wainwright, Marketing & Audiences Manager

Sumuyya Khader is an artist and her practice is a combination of illustration, drawing & print works that predominantly explore place and identity.

“I became aware of Sumuyya through her illustrative ‘Stand Up Speak Out’ response to the endemic global injustice foregrounded last year. She urges audiences: ‘Use your voice (if it’s safe to do so) listen when people raise issues. Educate yourself and those around you. Show compassion and be respectful. This is a fight for all of us.’”

Recommended by Tara Wainwright, Marketing & Audiences Manager

Blob Opera is a machine learning experiment by David Li in collaboration with Google Arts & Culture.

“Sound, animation.. gaming? I’m not sure how you would categorise this one, but it’s a very very fun one! Choirs are good for the soul, this one is no exception. No musical experience necessary. Helpful, if we all feel a bit like a blob right now.”

Recommended by Becca Clark, Assistant Curator

Have a go at the first iteration of Plaything. The game offers a playthrough of seven "play days": create your plaything and bond with it over the course of seven short interactions. Find out about the process of making the game.

"A joyous and intimate web-based game, Plaything blends hand-crafted animation and interactive generative art. You create a beautifully hand-crafted creature in your browser and interact with it. It's adorable, cute and heartbreaking."

Recommended by Russell Dornan, Digital Content Editor