Festival of the Future

Our flagship festival programme that celebrates and enhances collaboration between science, art, and culture.

Festival of the Future is the University of Dundee’s flagship festival programme that celebrates and enhances collaboration between science, arts, and culture.

Our 5th edition of Festival of the Future will be live and in person from 11 – 15 October.

In 2023 our festival will mark the 75th anniversary of the National Health Service and explore the themes around a more caring and sustainable way of living and working.

  • we will have around 50 events across 5 days in venues around the city
  • we offer events for families and all ages including workshops, exhibitions, talks, walks and performances
  • there will be free access for all to the Botanic Garden during the festival

The demand for our activities and the reputation the festival has developed have meant that we see year on year more people engaging and participating in festival activities.

Festival participants said

“Yet another reason to visit Dundee. Positive reinforcement of the image of a city which has moved with the times.”

Festival attendee

“Loved that it was local and there was representation of local artists. Gave a great sense of pride in what Dundee has to offer.”

Festival attendee

Events

A photo of a punk and Tartan inspired coat and boots outfit on a mannequin, part of Louise Gray's 'Up Your Look' collection.
View Tartan at V&A Dundee

Event

Saturday 1 April 2023, 09:00 - Sunday 14 January 2024, 17:00

Tartan celebrates the global story of a unique pattern - how the rules of the grid have inspired creativity from the everyday to the sublime.

Exhibition | £7.00 - £16.00 | Booking required

An abstract painting in neon colours featuring circles.
View Chromaculture

Event

Wednesday 11 October 2023, 09:00 - Sunday 15 October 2023, 17:00

An exhibition of artworks by Janice Aitken celebrating colour and abstract form.

Exhibition | Free | No booking required

Leaf shapes in a scattered layout with different coloured patterns within each shape.
View Pattern Play

Event

Wednesday 11 October 2023, 09:30 - Saturday 4 November 2023, 16:00

An exhibition exploring pattern in art, design and science.

Exhibition | Free | No booking required

An example of a resyke robot made of springs for arms and a light bulb for a body
View Resyke Robots

Event

Wednesday 11 October 2023, 10:00 - 12:00

Join NEoN Digital Arts, as we create robots from recycled computer parts. For children aged 8 and over.

Workshop | £4.00 | Booking required

A picture of a tiny robot made out of electronic scraps.
View Resyke Robots exhibition

Event

Thursday 12 October 2023, 09:00 - Sunday 15 October 2023, 17:00

Come along and visit our Resyke Robot exhibition where you will find robots made from recycled computer parts through NEoNs ‘ No room for E-waste" workshops.

Exhibition | Free | No booking required

A watercolour painting depicting a smiling neuron in red and a surprised neuron in green.
View Science Crafternoon

Event

Thursday 12 October 2023, 14:45 - 16:30

Get crafty with scientists from the University of Dundee. This event is designed for adults

Interactive activity | £4.00 | Booking required

Two students standing in front of a red painting with their backs to the front
View Wellbeing Art Trail

Event

Friday 13 October 2023, 11:00 - 12:00

Join us for a de-stressing tour of artworks in Ninewells Hospital & Medical School, suitable for adults and over 14s

Interactive activity | Free | Booking required

Two dancers in front of a seaside background; the dancer on the left has their stance slanted and the dancer on the right is leaping in the air.
View My Friend Selkie

Event

Friday 13 October 2023, 13:00 - 14:00

My Friend Selkie is a heart-warming story of friendship and facing challenges, together. For families and children over 3

Theatre performance/play | £4.00 | Booking required

An image of an embroidery of 4 dolls holding hands connected with a wavy line.
View Culture Day

Event

Friday 13 October 2023, 13:30 - 17:00

The University’s annual Culture Day is a stimulating mix of talks and presentations across a wide range of subjects united by a common theme

Talk | Free | Booking required

A collection of silent disco players lighting up in various colours.
View Silent Disco

Event

Friday 13 October 2023, 14:15 - 15:15

Join us for a fun afternoon session of silent disco along the Waterfront with our wonderful instructors from ISE. For the whole family.

Interactive activity | Free | Booking required

A logo in yellow, teal, red and light blue with the respective words 'Care in Creative Practice'
View Care in Creative Practice

Event

Friday 13 October 2023, 14:30 - 16:30

Join us in hearing from local creative practitioners about how care presents itself in what they produce and the way they work. For adults.

Panel discussion | Free | Booking required

An image of two robots in front of a full moon on a balcony; a scrappy looking on with a sapling in its hand on the left and a white, modern robot floating on the right.
View Wall-E Screening

Event

Saturday 14 October 2023, 13:00 - 15:00

Join us to find out whether Wall-E decides to join Eve for an adventure across the galaxy or stick with his mission to recycle! For all ages.

Interactive activity | Free | Booking required

A photo of a girl wearing a skirt dancing in a field with sunset in the background.
View Bachata in the Garden

Event

Saturday 14 October 2023, 13:30 - 14:15

Come take your first steps of bachata in a fun, easy-going introductory dance class amongst the trees in the Botanic Gardens. For adults.

Interactive activity | £4.00 | Booking required

A photo of people in the exalted warrior yoga pose in the garden.
View Yoga in the Garden

Event

Saturday 14 October 2023, 14:30 - 15:15

This is an opportunity to try a specially designed yoga practice suitable for all levels, including beginners. For adults.

Interactive activity | £4.00 | Booking required

A photo of five badges with illustrations of bacteria, brain, capsules, the element of oxygen in the periodic table and a female scientist.
View Science Crafternoon

Event

Saturday 14 October 2023, 15:15 - 17:00

Get crafty with scientists from the University of Dundee. For children over 8, accompanied by an adult.

Workshop | £4.00 | Booking required

Subscribe

Subscribe to receive email updates about Festival of the Future